Indemnity form scrapped at Table Mountain National Park for a smoother visitor experience

Visitors to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) will no longer be required to fill out the controversial indemnity and verification form, effective immediately.

South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the suspension in a media release yesterday, Thursday, February 12, acknowledging that the measure, introduced to tighten governance and verification, had instead caused significant "operational delays and visitor frustration".

This revision of the indemnity form comes two days after SANParks implemented a digital identity document ID scanning process at the Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope) and Boulders Penguin Colony entrances to enable accurate tariff application, where locally discounted rates apply ("Discover the new digital verification and indemnity processes at Table Mountain National Park," CapeTowner, February 11). 

SANParks spokesman JP Louw said the forms had been a source of complaints from both tourists and local tourism operators, who cited long queues and a cumbersome entry process.

"We have listened to the concerns raised by visitors and tourism partners and have acted decisively," he said.

In place of the paper form, SANParks plans to roll out a high-tech solution.

Over the next year, the park will implement a fully digitised ID and passport verification system at park gates, which will include high-speed scanning technology.

This system is designed to ensure compliance while maintaining a "seamless visitor experience."

During this transition period, visitors can enter the park without the indemnity form requirement.

"The move has been welcomed by local residents and the tourism industry, who hope the change will streamline access to the popular national park," said Mr Louw.

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