Cableway Charity Challenge hands over R1m to four beneficiary organisations
3 min read
Four organisations making a meaningful difference across the Western Cape are set to benefit from the funds raised through the 2026 Cableway Charity Challenge, following the official cheque handover ceremony held on 5 June 2026.
The annual fundraising event, hosted by Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), took place on 9 May 2026 and saw hundreds of runners, hikers, supporters and donors come together in support of four beneficiary organisations: SANParks Honorary Rangers, Ubuntu Football Academy, Volunteer Wildfire Services and Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).
Following the close of the fundraising campaign on 17 May and the final reconciliation of donations and pledges, the challenge raised a total of R1 million.
At the cheque handover ceremony, representatives from each beneficiary organisation received R250 000 to support their ongoing work in conservation, youth development, firefighting and mountain rescue.
The allocations were as follows:
- SANParks Honorary Rangers – R250 000
- Ubuntu Football Academy – R250 000
- Volunteer Wildfire Services – R250 000
- Wilderness Search and Rescue – R250 000
“The Cableway Charity Challenge continues to demonstrate the incredible power of community. Every rand raised represents the generosity of participants, donors, sponsors and supporters who believe in making a difference,” says Wahida Parker, managing director of TMACC.
“The love we have for Table Mountain and our communities must translate into action. We are incredibly proud that this year’s challenge raised more than R1 million, helping four remarkable organisations continue the vital work they do every day.”
Now in its 17th year, the Cableway Charity Challenge challenges participants to summit Table Mountain as many times as possible between sunrise and sunset, while raising funds for carefully selected beneficiary organisations. Participants ascend via Platteklip Gorge before returning to the Lower Station by cable car and repeating the route throughout the day.
This year’s event again showcased Cape Town’s spirit of generosity and community action, with supporters rallying behind organisations that provide essential services to people and places across the Western Cape.
“This funding is truly game-changing for our organisation,” says David Nel of WSAR. “We are currently looking at procuring a new stretcher and replacing kilometres of rope that are critical to our rescue operations. Support from initiatives like the Cableway Charity Challenge gives our volunteers the resources they need to continue helping people in the mountains and natural spaces we serve.”
For the beneficiary organisations, the funds received will help strengthen programmes, equip volunteers, support operations and ensure critical services continue reaching the communities and environments that depend on them.
The legacy of the 2026 Cableway Charity Challenge will continue long after the event itself, creating meaningful impact through the organisations working on the frontlines of conservation, youth development, emergency response and outdoor safety.
