In a major step towards public security and crime avoidance, South African National Parks (SANParks) has activated a dedicated helicopter officially at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) as part of its general Safety and Security Strategy. The deployment is a vital step in SANParks’ ongoing bid to improve the safety of visitors and ensure the protection of one of South Africa’s most visited natural heritage icons.
The SANParks helicopter, primarily stationed at Kruger National Park, was temporarily stationed in the Western Cape Province to provide muscle to security operations across TMNP. The aerial asset is part of a multi-pronged strategy complemented by the recent boost in the highly skilled Sea, Air, Mountain (SEAM) unit, an elite response ranger unit for rapid and agile deployment on diverse terrain.
JP Louw, Head of Communications at SANParks and official spokesperson, also affirmed that the helicopter’s presence is already yielding positive results.
“The helicopter made its debut day a successful one when, during an aerial surveillance and ground-level operation, it was used to monitor a suspicious individual carrying a knife,” said Louw.
“Following a coordinated response, the individual was apprehended by our ground unit. During further investigation, it was discovered that the individual had a long record.”
This training emphasised the mandatory position the helicopter will play – not only as a deterrent, but also as an intervention tool in quick response. TMNP, which is visited by thousands of locals and foreigners annually, often sees the number of visitors increase significantly during holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year. Air support during these peak times has been a game-changer in maintaining order and ensuring visitor safety.
“The coordination of our ground and airborne units is paramount,” commented Louw.
“It enables us to rapidly mobilize whenever a threat is perceived – be it criminal behavior or environmental risks like the evolution of wildfires.”
Indeed, one of the other advantages of having a helicopter on-site is that it can be used to help control and monitor for fire hazards, which have also spread more frequently in the area due to people and global climate change. Terrain is harshly beautiful, yet notoriously difficult to patrol quickly by foot. The helicopter’s capability to scan large areas within a very short span of time provides SANParks with a key advantage in keeping illegal fires from spreading and destroying the environment.
Table Mountain National Park guests are urged to make use of the site responsibly. SANParks reminds the public that the park is open to all people from sunrise until sunset, but safety should never be compromised. It is essential to travel in groups, employ appropriate hiking gear, and check the weather when venturing into the park for a safe and pleasurable experience.
In a similar development, SANParks has also reacted to growing concerns over mining interests within protected areas. In recent reports, Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty) Limited has expressed interest in applying for the de-proclamation of some of the land currently under protection within the West Coast National Park.
SANParks has been strongly opposed to such a project.
“We have made known to Kropz and all the interested parties that no mining activity can ever be permitted inside a national park,” stated Louw.
“This is in particular banned under section 48(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2003.”
The institution maintains that nature conservation and eco-friendly public use of South Africa’s natural assets must be prior to commercial demands.
With improved air surveillance, dedicated ranger units, and controlled environmental management, SANParks remains committed to the protection of the integrity of its parks and ensuring each visitor an enjoyable, safe experience.
