The leaders develop confidence and enjoy increased status in their communities
Tourists travel from across the world to come here and walk on it. It’s an intrinsic part of Cape Town’s identity and it’s one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It also casts a heavy shadow across the city. But imagine seeing Table Mountain in plain sight every day and never setting foot on it?
Through the Pride of Table Mountain programme, over 25 000 children from the outlying areas of Cape Town have now had the opportunity to walk on the mountain and visit the world-famous gardens beneath it.
Every second Saturday, from February to November, buses fetch 40 to 50 children and take them to Table Mountain for a fun, educational walking excursion where they learn about fauna and flora. The messages of conservation, healthy living and biodiversity are clearly communicated.
Outings and routes are also arranged for partially sighted, blind and mentally challenged people who may have otherwise not been able to tour Kirstenbosch or hike on Table Mountain.
Since Pride began in 1996, the programme has been partly funded by Woolworths: a percentage from each sale of bottled water is donated to the programme.
Sharon McCallum believes that the success of the project is largely driven by the leaders, whose dedication and commitment is infectious.
“We wondered why our leaders joined and many of them have said that they had such an incredible experience when they visited that they wanted to share it with others.”
The leadership programme is voluntary; there are 18 leaders, most of whom have been part of the programme for more than five years. Guides learn practical skills from how to give and deal with constructive criticism, to how to use leadership in everyday life.
“From Sipho, the eldest, who has been with Pride Of Table Mountain for 18 years, to his 17-year-old son, who is the youngest and is now also a junior ranger volunteer, the programme inspires full allegiance from the leaders. For many now, Pride is their life.”
Several of the leaders have gone on to take formal jobs in the eco-tourism industries and conservation. Some have opened their own nongovernmental organisations and continue the message of empowerment, conservation and overall pride in the natural beauty of South Africa.
The leaders develop confidence and also enjoy increased status in their communities.
“In their township, people say ‘that man takes people on tours on Table Mountain’.” Table Mountain no longer looms in the distance, and has been brought that much closer to home.