The City of Cape Town desires to inform the stakeholders and residents that the Codes of Conduct for Permissible Activities at the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve (WANR) will come into effect from July 01, 2025 that extended the gate limits till August 12, 2025. The Codes of Conduct stipulate interventions in the interest of safety and security, imposing restrictions on the number of daily operators and visitors to prevent overcrowding and measures in the interest of continuous conservation of the unique natural asset.
Reportedly, the public participation process about the draft codes took place in September and October last year, and the city assessed the comments that they received to further refine the proposed codes.
However, they finalised the Codes of Conduct stipulate interventions in the interest of safety and security. Restrictions on the number of daily operators and visitors was considered to prevent overcrowding that will come into effect on August 12, 2025.
The WANR is one of the most popular destinations in the Western Cape for recreational activities on the dunes, out of which there are 4×4 off-roading, quad biking and sandboarding, as entry of which is controlled through a permit system.
From year 2019 to 2023, the City of Cape Town recorded a 1,501% increase in the number of visitors to the WANR and permits as issued and subsequently decided to implement Codes of Conduct in the interest of the continued conservation of the unique natural asset. The Codes of Conduct for Permissible Activities for the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve (WANR) are available on the official website of the city at WANR.
Deputy Mayor and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews said that the City of Cape Town is responsible for managing and conserving the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, which is renowned for its water catchment source, surface biodiversity and extensive mobile dune field.
The WANR is an irreplaceable natural asset that must be preserved. Andrews cleared that they are also well aware of the fact that many stakeholders rely on the reserve for their business operations and that these outdoor activities contribute to the local adventure tourism industry.
Eddie Andrews further offered the stakeholders and residents comments of two months on the draft codes. They hosted several information sessions as well. They assessed all of the comments that they received and took them all in account as they finalised the codes. They extended their gratitude to all those who participated and contributed to the process.
Notably, the Codes of Conduct strive to optimise business opportunities in a sustainable manner while creating a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors to fully enjoy the beautiful nature reserve. He further encouraged the operators to adapt their business models accordingly in order to comply with the Codes of Conduct.