Several parties interested in advocating access to Hottentots Holland and Jonkershoek Nature Reserves who compiled a report entitled “Hottentots Holland and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Recreational Access Proposal” have stated that “fruitful meetings” were held with CapeNature management and that they were optimistic about the reopening of several trails.
In July, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette reported on the compilation of an access proposal supported by an online petition that garnered over 6 000 signatures (“Issue taken over access to nature reserves”, 26 July), at which time CapeNature refuted the petition, saying its statement that trails are closed due to lack of maintenance was a generalisation. However, “trails well frequented by the public in these two reserves are well kept and maintained on a regular basis”, the agency stated.
The report was compiled by hiking experts with years of experience and vast knowledge of the access trails, including Steve Chadwick, Santie Gouws, Stuart Summerfield, Nardus Cronjé, Ralph Pina and Trevor Rennison.
It outlined several factors and challenges to CapeNature decisions and is introduced as “The People’s Appeal to CapeNature”.
A total of at least 18 trails are closed between Jonkershoek and the Hottentots Holland Mountain range of at least 29.
Since March this year several stakeholder groups have been pressing for dialogue with CapeNature on the subject of reopening trails, so they can better understand why such drastic steps are necessary – whether it be for rehabilitation, safety or another purpose. (“Hiking trail closures ‘unjustified’ ”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 29 March).
Petro van Rhyn, general manager for advocacy at CapeNature, confirmed management had met with the authors of the proposal on 31 August.
“At this meeting CapeNature presented its position on the reopening of trails and each route in question was discussed between meeting participants,” she said. “Everyone present at the meeting agreed certain trails would not be reopened. The engagement was positive and deemed a success. CapeNature awaits feedback from the authors on some aspects of the meeting outcomes. It continues to uphold its commitment to encourage collaboration and partnerships.”
According to Steve Chadwick meetings with CapeNature were sponsored by Idiom restaurant and held in an especially cordial atmosphere, the agency agreeing and offering to open several trails.
“The access group would contend no traditional trails have been declared ‘off-limits’ in the longer term,” he said, “and that all trails should be considered for reopening on a case by case basis. Nevertheless lines of communication have been established, and there is a feeling that we are getting somewhere.
“The access group would wish to see more cooperation regarding the surveying of trails. CapeNature still seems reluctant to use the vast potential of willing, experienced hikers more than willing to assist understaffed CN surveyors. To this end, the access group is setting up a Google site that is open to all hikers, where trail conditions may be monitored.”
