From next month onwards, visitors to City nature reserves, like the Helderberg Nature Reserve, pictured here, will have the more convenient option of paying entry fees with a debit or a credit card, as nature reserves will be implementing a cashless payment system. PICTURE: CARMEN JACOBS
The City of Cape Town announced that it would be implementing cashless payment options from Saturday February 1, at local nature reserves.
The nature reserves where visitors will no longer be able to pay entry fees at the gates in cash include the Helderberg Nature Reserve, the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Table Bay Nature Reserve and Blaauwberg Nature Reserve.
Visitors to these reserves will make payment for entrance fees by digital cards, both credit and debit cards will be accepted. According to the City, entrance fees at these nature reserves range from R15 to R28 and residents have free access to the rest of the City Nature Reserves in Cape Town.
Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, said the decision was motivated by ensuring the safety of those on the reserve premises.
He said: “We have made the decision in the interest of the safety and security of staff and visitors who will no longer need to handle cash on the Nature Reserve premises.
“This is in line with many other biodiversity tourism options (e.g. Cape Point) in Cape Town and around the world. I encourage all our residents to visit the many City Nature Reserves and conservation areas in Cape Town, some of which I am sure many are still not aware of.”
The hope is with the new cashless payment system more people will be encouraged to visit nature reserves. “These spaces offer a refreshing break from the hustle of our city lives and are right on our doorstep,” said Alderman Andrews.
The City reminded the public that entry to the Witzands Aquifer Nature will still be free for pedestrian access and those who wish to take a walk walk, hike or picnic in the dunes. Access to other City-managed nature reserves where free entry applies, will continue.
For more information on the operational hours and locations and entry fees, of the City-based nature reserves search for City of Cape Town nature reserves, at www.capetown.gov.za
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