More than 140 climbers are preparing to take on multiple ascents of Platteklip Gorge to raise funds for four South African charities.
Cape Town, South Africa (05 May 2026) – With the 2026 Cableway Charity Challenge just days away, organisers are calling on more South Africans to get behind the climbers preparing to tackle one of Cape Town’s toughest fundraising events.
On 9 May, runners and walkers will head up Table Mountain’s Platteklip Gorge as many times as possible in an effort to raise funds for four charities making a difference across South Africa.
The annual challenge has grown into one of the country’s most unique fundraising events, bringing together individuals, schools and corporate teams for a full day of climbing in support of important causes.
This year’s beneficiaries include the South African National Parks Honorary Rangers, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Wilderness Search and Rescue, and the Ubuntu Football Academy.
Funds raised through the event will help support conservation education, volunteer firefighting efforts, wilderness rescue operations and youth mentorship through football development programmes.
Now more than 140 climbers have already signed up for this year’s challenge, with participants expected to spend the day repeatedly climbing Platteklip Gorge in pursuit of both personal milestones and fundraising goals.
The event follows a successful 2025 edition, in which 199 participants completed 600 laps and raised nearly R1 million for charity. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway managing director Wahida Parker calls for more support.
“Our climbers are doing the hard part. We’re asking corporate entities, schools and individuals to do the easier part, back them with a pledge, and help us push past last year’s total.”
Parker reflects on the previous edition.
Related Stories
Friends of Zoo Lake Take Action After Another Cable Theft
ICA Live Art Festival Returns to Cape Town's Streets, Gardens and Public Spaces“Last year the Cableway Charity Challenge raised nearly R1 million for four beneficiaries: an early childhood development programme, the volunteers who fight our wildfires, rescue people lost in our wilderness and mentor young footballers from vulnerable communities.”
The Cableway Charity Challenge is organised by Table Mountain Aerial Cableway alongside Anton and Brigitte de Waal, who launched the event in 2009, together with the JDI Foundation.
Anyone wanting to sponsor a participant or support the fundraising effort can do so by visiting the Cableway Charity Challenge page here.
View this post on Instagram
by 
