Volunteer Safety Services

22/05/2025

https://www.primediaplus.com/formal-announcement-of-the-dissolution-of-the-vss-agreement-with-sanparkstmnp/

It becomes increasingly critical to define where this issue lies and what solution is required to ensure we don't experience the same increased crime rate we saw in 2023 and 2024.

For TMNP to announce - via it's Honorary Ranger platform - that all is well and that while - very 'disappointed' that the actual designers and founders of the concept have felt it necessary to withdraw - Se la vie, we will now (suddenly and urgently) continue to make it happen after all !?

The VSS model is designed to bring ALL volunteer bodies together, and if they're unhappy then perhaps start with that. Not circle the wagons with HR volunteers that have other duties to focus on and that don't have the experience or knowledge to do much more than run the odd safety patrol (much respect and thank to them for doing so, but it's not enough by a long shot).

The very basis of VSS, when (we) first presented it - was that it would be owned by SANParks and that meant having someone dedicated and qualified to lead, inspire and get stuff done - together with us - urgently with the objective of reducing the crime rate. Someone with the same focus, dedication, availability and passion as each of the founder members.

Until this comes to pass - its just more of the same, and that has produced no significant, tangible improvement to the problem since 2006!!

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16/05/2025

Important Announcement:

It is with great disappointment that we need to announce the dissolution of Volunteer Safety Services (VSS). Please read the attached for some context.

What we hoped and were led to believe would be a process owned and managed by SANParks, has not materialised despite concerted efforts going back to Dec 2023 when we first tabled the concept.

As founder volunteer organisations and individuals, it is now left to us to continue working on our own, to develop and enhance solutions we firmly believe can result in a decrease of the ever-increasing rate of contact crimes (muggings) in Table Mountain National Park.

2025 - year to date - represents the worst year ever for incidents in this category, so be extra careful out there please.

11/04/2025

01/04/2025

We are looking forward to seeing these highly trained rangers on the slopes of Table Mountain.

Remember to report any suspicious people or criminal activities in the park.

28/03/2025

Enhanced Safety initiative

https://www.capetownetc.com/news/enhanced-safety-initiated-in-lions-head-and-signal-hill-area/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0QqR2Dgwb2_Prb4xXC6r01oztV2chnRtMskcnbbvUVQstorhVAEKFA-qY_aem_2H8Rz6Gg22mFDExikBfmVg

Safety concerns rise as crime increases in one of Cape Town's most iconic areas, prompting urgent security measures from law enforcement agencies:

28/03/2025

Volunteer Safety Services and Love our trails teamed up for a fun and impactful Deer Park Cleanup on 27 March 2025, —and wow, what a day it was!

This cleanup was extra special, inspired by the amazing team from Asilia Africa, a local safari and travel company that wanted to give back to nature and tourism. Their passion set the tone for a day filled with teamwork, laughter, and purpose! 🦓🌍

A huge shoutout to SANParks - Table Mountain National Park , whose rangers not only helped clean but also improved the safety of the park by addressing vagrancy and removing waste. 🙌 And let’s not forget Spar Vredehoek for keeping our volunteers hydrated with donated waters. 💦

Leading the charge was Baz from VSS—thank you for your energy and guidance! With the help of an incredible group of volunteers, we collected over 50 bags of litter. 🎉🔥

These cleanups do more than just keep our trails and parks beautiful—they help protect wildlife, enhance safety, and create a space we can all enjoy. THANK YOU to everyone who showed up and made a difference. You rock! 💚

15/03/2025

Today saw a cleanup by various people, down south in Kalk Bay and along the urban edge bordering SANParks - Table Mountain National Park.

Rangers responsible for the central section of TMNP, together with residents in the Kalk Bay area, as well as Volunteer Safety Services worked together to fill upwards of 30 bags of rubbish in an area frequented mostly by homeless people.

Thank you to everyone involved. Great job!!

13/03/2025

Useful Information. Thank you

Please program the Emergency number provided - 086 110 6417

Also - note the Tourism Safety Support Programme as well as the City of Cape Town Band Aid numbers.

Visitors in trouble (lost documents, injuries, victims of crime etc) can benefit from calling on these services during those trying times.

23/02/2025

🔥 Newlands Forest Fire Update 🔥

MAP - Trail closures in yellow

The bulk of the fire, which broke out in Newlands in the early hours of this morning, is contained in accessible areas.

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) fire management team continues to actively manage the fire between Newlands and Devil’s Peak.

Current Status:
• The fire has burned approximately 60 hectares of veld.
• It is largely contained in areas accessible to firefighters.
• Flare-ups on the cliffs and ledge of the mountain are expected, and flames will be visible throughout the night.
• Ground crews will remain on-site overnight to monitor the fire line.
• Aerial resources have stood down for the day and will be redeployed at first light tomorrow, along with fresh ground crews.
• The cause of the fire will be investigated.

Closures & Safety Concerns [MAP]:
• Newlands Forest remains closed to the public.
• The section of trails from Newlands Forest to Devil’s Peak, and south of Platteklip Gorge is also closed. (More area's highlighted in yellow)
• The Contour Path boardwalk has been damaged by fire, with rockfalls reported in the area.

An appeal to the public to remain calm and follow official updates. Please do not call the City’s emergency number regarding the fire between Newlands and Devils Peak unless you detect a separate fire emergency.

A heartfelt appreciation goes out to the public for your continuous support and donations during this time.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Volunteer Wildfire Services Working on Fire NCC Wildfires Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association

23/02/2025

Please avoid Newlands Forest and surrounds for today