The City of Cape Town, in collaboration with South African National Parks (SANParks), is pleased to announce the re-opening of Burghers’ Walk in Simon’s Town as of Friday 9 December 2011.
“Burghers’ Walk is a section of the Simon’s Town coastline that is home to one of only two land-based African Penguin colonies in South Africa. The area provides nesting grounds for a significant portion of this colony of endangered birds. On 1 July 2011 the area was temporarily closed to allow for crucial rehabilitation,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Tandeka Gqada.
The rehabilitation at Burghers’ Walk has included the implementation of measures to control soil erosion; the removal of alien vegetation, rubble and litter; the planting of indigenous vegetation; and the installation of a wooden boardwalk.
“The completion of the boardwalk means that Burghers’ Walk is ready to receive visitors, but further environmental rehabilitation will continue,” said Cllr. Gqada.
Entrance to Burghers’ Walk is free and the area can be accessed via the wooden gate in Bellevue Road or via other access ways on Links Avenue. The City requests that any member of the public entering Burghers’ Walk familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations of the area, as stipulated on the signboards. The City appeals to any member of the public wishing to continue on the path beyond the wooden boardwalk to do so responsibly by:
- keeping the gate closed at all times
- always remaining on the path
- being cautious of penguins, not interacting with them
- keeping dogs on a lead at all times
Although Burghers’ Walk is open to the public it is not to be used by organised tourist groups. The City would like to appeal to tour guides not to bring their groups to Burghers’ Walk.
A formal Management Plan for Burghers’ Walk is currently being developed. This Management Plan will be available for public comment upon completion.
Penguin Monitors will be available on site during the week and they will assist with any further information required.
The City would like to thank members of the public for their patience and co-operation during the period of the temporary closure at Burghers’ Walk.
