While most tourist attractions in Cape Town are reporting a positive recovery after the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the same cannot be said for visitor numbers to Rhodes Memorial.
In the beginning of the year, Enver Duminy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cape Town Tourism, said famed tourist attractions reported positive recovery when compared to 2019 figures: Cape Point at 33%, Chapman’s Peak Drive at 77%, Groot Constantia at 60%, Kirstenbosch at 49%, Robben Island at 46%, Table Mountain at 57% and Two Oceans Aquarium at 76%.
In contrast, South African National Parks (SANParks) this month told People’s Post that Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) had observed a substantial decrease of visitors to Rhodes Memorial.
In this case, however, it can be speculated that the continued drop in visitor numbers is more likely due to the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and Tea Room having burnt down in a fire last year than the pandemic alone.
These heritage buildings were severely damaged in a wildfire that broke out on the slopes of Table Mountain on Sunday 18 April.
With trees damaged in the fire needing to be felled, the Rhodes Memorial Estate and Game Camp only opened to hikers and cyclists in September last year. The gates, allowing vehicle access, were reopened two months ago (Saturday 26 March).
Located within TMNP, the tea room is under the management of SANParks but the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) are the custodians of the land.
In a media statement released in December last year, SANParks stated that a bill of quantities (a list of materials and services required to perform a project) was being drafted by the SANParks appointed architect and technical department. Once completed, it would be submitted to the insurer.
At the time, the appointed architect, John Wilson-Harris (director of Gabriël Fagan Architects), explained to People’s Post that the bill of quantities would enable the appointed quantity surveyor to estimate the cost of the project. He said it was understood that only then would it be known whether the insurance would be enough to cover the cost of the repairs.
According to Wilson-Harris, the bill of quantities was completed and submitted to the insurer by the end of last year.
People’s Post visited the site on Wednesday 11 May – over a year since the fateful fire and five months since the bill of quantities was submitted.
Arriving on-site, the only tangible proof of work done was the placement of black plastic sheeting over the damaged walls to protect from the weather.
Some of the plastic sheeting had already begun to come loose and was flapping in the wind.
When approached earlier this month for feedback on the progress of the restoration plans, Lauren Clayton, regional Communications Manager: Cape Region, said the bill of quantities was still a subject of discussion with the insurer representative, “including the rebuilding of the Rhodes Memorial Tea Room”.
In a media release sent out in December last year, SANParks said the “possible” re-building of the tea room was delayed as a result of discussions with the department.
In an email sent to People’s Post on Monday 16 May, the DPWI stated SANparks had not yet engaged the department on any issues nor for a meeting regarding the tea room.
Thamsanqa Mchunu, acting Chief Director: Marketing and Stakeholder Relations: DPWI, also said that the bill of quantities had not been shared with the department.
Michael Janse van Rensburg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Heritage Western Cape (HWC), however, last week said that HWC had recently engaged with the department on a way forward for the fire-damaged properties.
“Once HWC receives the necessary applications, including required comments from interested and affected parties, it will be assessed accordingly and processed by HWC as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it is difficult to give exact timeframes at present,” said Janse van Rensburg.
Known for its quality food and views, the tea room was a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. It also provided jobs for over 20 employees as well as a rental income to SANParks.
Andy Davies, chair of the Friends of Table Mountain (FOTM), says it is imperative that the full tourism potential of TMNP is utilised as it is a massive tourism drawcard.
“It’s clear from the lack of tangible progress that the Rhodes Memorial restaurant is not a priority for SANParks. A similar issue exists at the old Listers restaurant at Tokai which has been closed for many years now.”
He adds that FOTM is starting to question if SANParks is the correct entity to manage TMNP “based on the many long-term issues plaguing TMNP”.
Gabriel Brown, chair of Friends of Rhodes Memorial (Form), echoes this sentiment. He says it has been difficult to work with SANParks “as its management have stonewalled any requested information or possible intent”.
He says it is Form’s opinion that SANParks should be held accountable for letting the buildings be damaged by two Cape winters.
“Ultimately, SANParks has neglected its mandate to look after Cape Town’s biggest asset – its mountain, as well as gorgeous heritage sight – with no intention or plan going forward. It’s time people complained and held SANParks’ leadership accountable,” says Brown.
While SANParks has not yet officially shared the projected cost of the rebuild, Brown claims SANParks has mentioned the figure they need is R7 million.
However, he believes that this is way less.
“Despite the restaurant being designed essentially by Herbert Baker, the roofing was built from gum poles and thatch. I believe that if we targeted R2 to R3 million for the fixing of the restaurant and ablution blocks, this would assist in bringing in an income to complete the chapel and conference rooms,” says Brown.
To assist in the rebuilding of the tea room, Brown says Form is planning to start a funding drive.
“The campaign will be well audited (to ensure) that every cent will be accounted for. The funds raised will also go towards working with SANParks to take responsibility to rebuild and advertise for a new restaurant tender,” says Brown.
In the meantime, those visitors who do make their way to the monument will find that the views are as impressive as ever. What they won’t find are any refreshments or access to loos.
Clayton suggests that visitors make use of toilets at the Newlands Picnic Site while the rebuilding of the tea room is being discussed.
As to refreshments, Clayton says SANParks has issued a permit to a trader to commence with operations on the site.
“He is yet to start with his operations,” says Clayton.
The gates allowing vehicle access to Rhodes Memorial are open seven days a week, from 07:00 till 18:00.
- For more information on Form’s fundraising drive, visit www.friendsofrhodesmemorial.co.za
