Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has won Silver in the category Managing Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Upcycle at the 2025 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, held on 10 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Presented as part of World Travel Market Africa – one of the continent’s most prominent tourism trade shows – the awards celebrate organisations leading the way in responsible and sustainable tourism. Each entry is assessed by global experts, with a focus on measurable impact, innovation, and benefit to both people and the environment.
TMACC’s waste management strategy stood out for its creativity and commitment to action at every level – from daily recycling to large-scale reuse. Over the past decade, the Cableway has diverted nearly 750 tonnes of waste from landfill, representing more than 62% of all waste generated.
“Operating at altitude means waste can’t simply be wheeled to the kerb,” says Selma Hercules, Executive Director at TMACC. “We have a dedicated night crew that collects and sorts rubbish after hours, with every item processed responsibly. We’ve even upcycled old staff uniforms into dog blankets for shelters and turned decommissioned cables into souvenirs like medals and magnets.”
With over 50 recycling bins across its sites and a team of in-house recyclers, TMACC also tracks waste volumes daily and prioritises education, both internally and through its Class in the Clouds programme for learners.
This recognition reflects TMACC’s wider commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. The Cableway also entered the Increasing Local Sourcing – Creating Shared Value category, with its ongoing efforts in local procurement continuing to drive meaningful economic inclusion across its supply chain.
Currently, 97% of TMACC’s retail products and 99% of its food and beverage goods are sourced from South African suppliers, and over half of its retail vendors are women-owned. Beyond procurement, TMACC offers mentorship, flexible payment options, and product development support, with some vendors even collaborating on upcycling initiatives, such as turning sweatshirt offcuts into soft toy stuffing.
Through its Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, TMACC has supported more than 30 small businesses, including award-winning up-cycler Lilly Loompa and artisan collective Ukusika Yezandla.
“Tourism must be more than scenic views; it should create value where it’s needed most,” says Hercules. “This award is a nod to the everyday effort behind the scenes, and a reminder that local tourism can set the bar for sustainability.”
For more information, visit www.tablemountain.net or follow TMACC on social media.
For more articles like this click here.
If you enjoyed this website then check out our other sites: Wedding and Function, Kids Connection, Thirsty Traveler, Boat Trips for Africa, Bargain Buys, Business Link.
Need help with your online marketing then visit Agency One.
