An example of the patches of damaged fynbos. Picture: Friends of Table Mountain’s Facebook page.
Residents and conservation groups are raising concerns about environmental damage in Pecks Valley, Muizenberg.
Issues include littering, informal trails, and fire risks.
According to a post on the Friends of Table Mountain (FOTM) Facebook group, religious gatherings in the area, some using large speakers, are affecting the fragile fynbos ecosystem.
Many are calling for stricter enforcement from SANParks - Table Mountain National Park.
The post said frequent gatherings were damaging vegetation, creating new trails and increasing fire risks.
The FOTM said they respected all religious practices but believed the environmental impact was becoming serious.
They are calling for better enforcement and clearer signage to protect the area.
Andy Davies, speaking for the FOTM, said, “We respect the right to religious and spiritual practices, but the damage to the environment is a major concern. We’ve seen fynbos being destroyed, illegal wood collection, and fire hazards that threaten both the park and public safety.”
He added that hotspots included Newlands Forest, Muizenberg, and Kalk Bay.
FOTM believes “consistent enforcement by SANParks and better signage will help solve this problem”.
They also urged SANParks to use more resources to manage the park, given its significant revenue.
“We encourage park users to report concerns through our Facebook group. This helps us push for solutions,” Mr Davies said.
Erin Cowie, from FynbosLIFE, said increased foot traffic and littering threatened the environment.
“Trampling damages plants and compacts soil, making it harder for fynbos to grow back. Litter is harmful to wildlife, and illegal fires pose a serious threat to biodiversity,” she said.
She also noted that repeated fires could destroy fynbos seeds before they had had a chance to regenerate.
“Fires fuelled by plastics burn much hotter than natural fires, which can permanently damage the ecosystem,” she added.
Residents have complained about fire risks and noise.
Teresa Moore, of Muizenberg, said, “The clapping, ululating, and loud preaching can be heard from over 800 metres away. We’re not being unreasonable; there have been nights when the valley looked like a fairyland because so many fires were burning for cooking and warmth. We really don’t want fires in the valley.”
Benjamin Oosthuizen has similar concerns. “I’ve been reporting this for years, but there’s been no enforcement. At this point, all we can do is keep reporting.”
He encouraged residents to call the SANParks emergency number (086 110 6417) when they see violations.
Another resident, Bev Stevens, described similar gatherings in the Noordhoek Wetlands.
“Every Tuesday and Thursday night and on Saturdays, groups set up tents and sometimes stay overnight. There’s drumming, whistling, and other noise.”
Despite multiple reports to authorities, residents say enforcement has been lacking.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw confirmed that religious gatherings were allowed in designated areas of Table Mountain National Park, but they had to comply with the law.
According to Mr Louw, while permits are required for certain activities, SANParks asks that groups inform them of their plans in advance. Designated sites for religious gatherings include Signal Hill, Deer Park, Woodstock Cave, and Schotschekloof.
To reduce environmental damage, SANParks ran awareness campaigns and law enforcement operations to prevent unauthorised gatherings, Mr Louw said.
Rangers also conducted litter clean-ups and closed illegal trails to help vegetation recover.
Addressing complaints about gatherings in Pecks Valley and other areas, he stated that SANParks had received reports and responded to incidents, including those occurring at night.
However, he noted that it was hard to manage unauthorised activities because of the park’s open access.
"Rangers remain on alert and respond as needed," he said.
Mr Louw stressed that fires were strictly prohibited and that the use of loudspeakers in conservation areas was a concern.
He said SANParks continued to engage with religious groups to promote responsible park use.