On Saturday, 10 May 2025, participants from across South Africa will descend on Table Mountain with one common goal – to tackle Platteklip Gorge, as part of the annual Cableway Charity Challenge. While the event is well known for its physical demands and spirit of generosity, this year’s spotlight is on something small, meaningful and unforgettable: the medal.
Each finisher will receive a medal made from the retired track rope cable once used by Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC).
This steel cable, removed during the 2024 annual maintenance period , has been upcycled into a lasting piece of Cableway history. The track rope cable has been cut into discs by residents of The Ark – City of Refuge, a Cape Town-based organisation that supports people affected by homelessness and unemployment.
This collaboration gives new life to both material and people. It turns an industrial cable into something deeply symbolic – a token of resilience, dignity and communal purpose.
“We wanted to give participants a unique token of appreciation this year,” says Selma Hercules, Executive Director of TMACC. “We chose something that was a reflection of the event and of the strength of the mountain. It also was a reminder of the power of the hands of local makers that went into the making of the medals, and of the impact of the money raised on the day.”
That impact will be felt all across the Western Cape, with the funds raised through the effort exerted supporting four organisations that make a tangible difference.
Ubuntu Football, where young people are mentored through sport and life-skills development, is a new organisation to join the list of beneficiaries. “The Cableway Charity Challenge is another great way for the Ubuntu Football story to spread further in our city through participants and spectators. And that interconnectedness is the spirt of ‘ubuntu’,” says Executive Director, Casey Prince. “It’s the community showing up, step after step, for our youth and for their futures.”
Funda Kunye, which focuses on early childhood development in under-resourced areas, echoes this sentiment. “Our work starts with caregivers, but it extends to entire communities,” says Karen Temlett. “The support we receive through the Charity Challenge helps us build stronger, more nurturing foundations for children at the most critical stage of their development.”
Volunteer Wildfire Services depends heavily on community support to remain response-ready during fire season. “It’s more than just a fundraiser – it’s a powerful act of solidarity and community,” says Jenny Scheffers of the VWS team. “Every step taken up the mountain represents support for the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to protecting our natural heritage.”
For Wilderness Search and Rescue, the challenge is a reminder of the importance of teamwork. “People come to the mountain for joy and adventure,” says Johann Marais of WSAR. “When things go wrong, we’re there, and it’s support like this that ensures we always can be.”
Every step taken during the challenge helps these organisations continue their work. But it is public support that will determine whether the challenge reaches its goal.
Last year’s event raised over R1.2 million. This year, the goal is to match or surpass that milestone. Climbers are ready. Now, they need your pledges.
Anyone can contribute. Whether it’s R100 or R1,000, every rand makes a difference. Pledges can be made quickly and securely online.
To show your support and help the challenge reach its target, visit www.charitychallenge.co.za.
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