Page 99 - Bulletin 20 2016

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accommodation for the gatekeepers until 1990 when these rustic structures were replaced
with the present-day entrance facility.

And so the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve reached its fullest extent before the decision
was taken in 1998 to amalgamate the Reserve, together with the other established nature
conservation areas on the Cape Peninsula, into the greater Table Mountain National Park.
This had the effect of placing the Reserve under the National Parks Act and affording it the
highest level of legal protection under South African law, and also under international
agreement as, through this action, it also became part of the UNESCO Cape Floral Region
Serial World Heritage Site.

Final Thoughts

And so the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve has grown over the years to where today this
southernmost section of the Table Mountain National Park is recognized as not only an area
of unsurpassing natural and cultural historical significance and, with average visitor numbers
in excess of one million a year, ranking as one of South Africa’s leading international tourist
destinations. Indeed, it can be said that no tour around the scenic Cape Peninsula is complete
that does not include the last twelve and a half kilometer stretch to Cape Point. Thus the
economic benefits the Reserve contributes to the overall Western Cape tourism experience
can be readily appreciated and speaks volumes for not only the far-sighted wisdom and
devotion to public service displayed by the officials of the Divisional Council of the Cape
back in 1939, but also to their good business sense.

st
On July 1 , 2019, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve as the southernmost section of the
Table Mountain National Park will celebrate its 70 year anniversary. One hopes at that time
more than just a passing thought will be given to the example set by the many public spirited
individuals who in their professional and private capacities selflessly worked all those years
ago to ensure that so much could be passed on to so many - in perpetuity.

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