TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY CO (PTY) LTD
ANNUAL REPORT 2015/I6
Our Vision
We aspire to
be the leading
attractions
management
company in Africa.
Our Mission is to provide access to the awe-inspiring Table Mountain experience in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our actions as a company, and as individuals, are informed by 5 values:
We are passionate about what we do and approach it with a ‘can do’ attitude, which means visitors come first.
Because we care, we take responsibilty for everything we do, most importantly putting safety first and being environmentally responsible.
We value differences and recognise that each member of this Company has a contribution to make, as we discuss, decide and do.
We believe in what we do and in doing the right thing. This makes us accountable in all we do.
In creating growth opportunities for all, we’re open to sharing knowledge and skills through a mind-set that says ‘we can’.
A Ray (Chairman)*#
B Makalima-Ngewana (Vice Chairman)
W Parker (Managing)
R Fenner*
C Gooden*
B Moore*#
A Pillay#
F H Stroebel*#
M N Skade
T Adams (Alternate)
P de Waal (Alternate)
D Parker (Alternate)
*Member of the Audit and Risk Committee
#Member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants
First National Bank Southern Africa Limited
1926/002949/07
At the time of writing this foreword, I am celebrating four months of being at the helm of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, and what a start this has been to what looks like the most awesome adventure ever!
I joined the Company in June 2016, and wish to pay homage to the erstwhile Managing Director, Sabine Lehmann, for the outstanding achievements of the period under review, as well as the excellent groundwork that has been laid down for the forthcoming years. It is indeed a great privilege to be in charge of such a prestigious organisation and to lead such a formidable team. Amongst the multitude of achievements and accolades amassed during the past year, the most noteworthy of all was that visitor numbers have exceeded the million mark in in 2015. Considering that it took 28 years to host our first million visitors, the fact that we have achieved this number in one year is indeed a magnificent achievement!
Improving the visitor experience: With improving the visitor experience being at the centre of everything that the Company has done this year, our key focus areas included the renovation of the Production Kitchen, the Shop at the Top and the introduction of the WiFi Lounge.
As our Company is a champion of responsible tourism and repurposing of spaces, it is little wonder that the transformation of the Summit Lounge into a WiFi Lounge has been such a hit, with visitors and team members alike! The WiFi Lounge is the space to watch as the workforce becomes more mobile. Make Table Mountain your office for the day - what a way to draw working people to the mountain! Our management team has put in a great effort to streamline the visitor experience and enhance the food on offer. Both are key elements to draw the visitor for a return visit and to promote us to family and friends.
Reaching out to locals:
We have continued our efforts to win the hearts and minds of locals. All our specials are specifically aimed at locals, with our Kidz Season promotion being the most popular. We are mindful of our role as a responsible corporate citizen and whilst our water usage per visitor has increased over the last year, we continue our efforts to reduce, re-use and recycle. We are now proudly Carbon Neutral and we aim to maintain this status well into the future. All our stakeholders are part of our journey to being the best. We invest in our staff by upskilling and promoting from within, we support local businesses and strive to procure only locally manufactured products, and we devote effort and energy to various NPOs and especially the underprivileged schools and communities throughout the year. During this year we supported 98 such worthy institutions to make a difference in the lives of many.
Setting the benchmark in tourism:
We are also proud of initiatives we take and truly set the benchmark in tourism. Where we lead others follow. Our online recruitment drive was indeed successful as are our Audio Tours. Our social media initiatives have broken records as we use technology to be top of mind for both locals and international travellers. As an attraction we take pride in what we do, how we do it, and we appreciate the contribution that each staff member makes in enhancing the experience for our visitors.
We look forward to continuing to strive for tourism excellence in the coming year!
Best Regards,
Wahida Parker,
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway MD
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (TMACC) celebrated its 86th year of operation.
We attained a Level 3 B-BBEE rating.
TMACC hosted a record number of visitors: 1 million!
The 25 millionth visitor was welcomed on 2 February 2016.
On 14 April 2016 we opened our new WiFi Lounge, a hotspot for visitors to recharge and refuel with free WiFi and on-the-go snacks.
Our Cableway audio tour, filled with facts about the Company and Table Mountain, was launched on 1 December 2015.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards named the Cableway as the Provincial Visitor Experience of the Year in 2015.
TMACC announced its Carbon Neutral status in February 2016. We are offsetting our CO2 emmisions by investing in the Kuyasa Housing Project, a low-carbon initiative in Khayelitsha.
With the comfort of visitors in mind, our retail outlets, specifically the Shop at the Top, received a makeover.Our areas are less congested, which makes for a better shopping experience.
TMACC chaired the 2016 Attractions Management Conference. This event, marking the third edition, attracted more than 100 global delegates. The two-day conference programme featured local and international speakers, covering a range of topics pertinent to the attractions industry.
TMACC retained its Diamond Heritage Environmental rating in recognition of 5 years of continuous commitment to environmental performance of the highest standard.
TMACC hosted its first online recruitment drive, increasing accessibility for potential applicants and in turn received 150 videos from potential recruits.
We continue to source our retail products from local suppliers. More than 95% of retail products are sourced locally.
In order to improve ergonomics and efficiency, the Production Kitchen, located at the Lower Station, was revamped.
We said goodbye to long time MD Sabine Lehmann and welcomed Wahida Parker to the position.
It took us 28 years to welcome our millionth visitor in 1957!
We are proud to announce that we welcomed 1 million visitors in the 2015/6 financial year. What an achievement!
The Cableway welcomed its 25-millionth visitor, Bafana Sibanyoni (28), on 2 February, 2016. Bafana and his partner Mbali Ntanzi (26) were visiting Table Mountain from Johannesburg to celebrate her birthday.
TMACC offers a variety of promotions and specials, aimed specifically at the domestic market. Locals can pay 50% or less by using these promotional offers.
Local visitors, 18 years and older, get a free ticket on their birthday. SA ID is required
For family fun this promotion allows two children to travel free of charge when an adult return ticket is purchased. Only valid on weekends, public and school holidays. From 1 May - 30 September
Our popular Sunset Special runs from 1 November to 28 February. Adults and children pay half price on return tickets. This special runs from 6pm. Not valid from 19 Dec 2016 - 3 Jan 2017
South African senior citizens 60 years and older pay a reduced rate on Fridays. SA ID is required
On Fridays local and international students pay a reduced rate. Valid student card required
For hikers, climbers and fans of Table Mountain, the Cable Card, the Cableway’s frequent user card, provides year-round access to the Cableway. Valid for one year
A pioneer of responsible tourism in Cape Town, the Cableway is proud to operate within a World Heritage Site and a National Park. We take our role as a custodian of Table Mountain very seriously and are fully committed to balancing our high volumes of visitors (900 000+ per year) with the need to protect the unique environment in which we work.
Our responsible tourism initiatives also extend to social and economic responsibility.
The Cableway supports local communities and suppliers, and aims to grow and develop suppliers to produce successful, long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships.
95%
Locally sourced suppliers
We are proud to declare that 95% of our retail merchandise is sourced from local suppliers.
We source retail products from, amongst others, Moonbasket, Posse Clothing and Synergy Frontiers.
The Cableway has a Level 3 B-BBEE rating.
LEVEL 1
B-BBEE rating
We are proud of our successful association with Posse Clothing, a supplier which is making a difference in its community, and has, in turn, enabled the Cableway “to pay it forward”. In 2016, Posse Clothing, which provide our staff uniforms and has been a loyal Cableway supplier for the past 14 years, formed a sister company called Skhona. Skhona is owned by Zubeida Hartnick, a long-time employee of Posse Clothing. Skhona has a Level 1 B-BBEE rating. The continuous support from companies such as TMACC has made setting up Skhona possible for Zubeida and her team.
We remain committed to supporting non-profit organisations, the underprivileged and school learners through our Corporate Social Responsibility and Class in the Clouds programmes:
98 organisations (NPO’s, NGO’s and community organisations) benefited from our Corporate Social Responsibility Programme
The Class in the Clouds programme runs weekdays, from 1 March to 31 October each year, providing learners with amazing views, fun activities, interesting walks and the most fascinating facts about Table Mountain, a New 7 Wonder of Nature.
In 2015
14,716learners participated in the Class in the Clouds programme
To date
280,658learners have participated in the Class in the Clouds programme
Siyafundisa is the Cableway’s Academy of Learning, which resonates with the Company’s commitment to assist employees reach their full potential by providing opportunities to staff to further educate and update their skills.
We are most proud to celebrate the success of Candice Steyn and Selma Hercules. Candice has been promoted to Financial Accountant and Selma has taken on the position of Financial Manager.
Candice Steyn has had quite the Cableway journey - joining the Company as an Administrative Assistant in 2003, she is now working towards her BCom in Financial Management and has been promoted from Assistant Accountant to Financial Accountant.
In addition to completing her MBA, which was sponsored by the Cableway, Selma Hercules was promoted to the position of Financial Manager. This promotion followed the departure of Kevin Blignaut in March 2016.
In 2015 the Cableway awarded 9 bursaries to team members.
These team members include:
| Candice Steyn | BCom Financial Management |
| Labiegah Sauls | National Certificate: Fitting and Turning |
| Lindsay Bester | Bachelor of Accounting Science in Financial Accounting |
| Nazeema Slarmie | Human Resource Management |
| Noeroe Jardien | Higher Certificate in Economic Management Sciences |
| Taryn Skuce | Public Relations Online Course |
| Clinton Maart | Senior Certificate |
| Darryn Falken | National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering |
| Sabelo Maba | Plumbing |
In 2015 the Cableway facilitated a NQF level 3 Wholesale and Retail
learnership programme.
7 team members were Learnership participants:
Pheliswa Mthandeki
Michelle Soyeye
Noluyanda Mtshemla
Lamla Pokolo
Godfrey Kasper
Carl Raikes
Rustin Rossouw
In 2015 our Management team hosted a celebratory braai for our staff members to celebrate our Lilizela Tourism Award for Best Visitor Experience of the Year and achieving Diamond Heritage Status.
2015 was a year of renovations at the Cableway. Our focus was on improving the visitor experience in our retail and food and beverage outlets.
All the renovations at the Shop were made with visitors’ comfort in mind:
TMACC’s new hotspot at the top
April 2016 saw the launch of TMACC’s new hotspot - the WiFi Lounge, housed within the Upper Cable Station.
The barely utilised Summit Lounge was transformed into a modern new WiFi Lounge fitted with plug and USB points for recharging devices and free, fast WiFi, as well as seating options ranging from cork stools at high tables to chairs and comfy sofas.
Its small but efficient bar/kitchenette is fully stocked with delicious breakfast options including savoury muffins and freshly brewed coffee, as well as on-the-go meals or snacks over lunchtime.
The WiFi Lounge opens its doors as the first cable car comes up at 8.30am and closes with the last car’s departure and has become quite popular with visitors.
Our Nuts and Bolts team keeps things running smoothly at the Cableway. This year the focus was on streamlining systems.
We added additional skill to the technical department by recruiting 2 artisans. Portia Mavuso became the first woman to join the technical team as an artisan. Joining Portia was Morne Snyman.
In 2015 our technical team completed a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning course in order to handle repairs internally.
In addition to rolling out a computerised maintenance system, we are also monitoring our generators and pumps online.
he maintenance team was instrumental in the upgrade of the Lower Station toilets, improving the efficiency and space usage in the Production Kitchen and the renovation of the WiFi Lounge.
2016
TMACC’s Carbon Neutral status is announced
2015
Attained Level 3 B-BBEE rating
African Responsible Tourism Award - Best single resource management: finalist
Heritage Environmental Rating: Diamond
Lilizela Tourism Award: Visitor Experience of the Year (Western Cape)
2014
Table Mountain is named as Africa’s leading tourist attraction in the World Travel Awards
TMACC TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the quality of reviews received over the past year
2013
Retained Level 4 B-BBEE rating
SANParks Cape Regional Achievement Award: Business Partner of the Year
Imvelo Award for Responsible Tourism – Best single resource management – Waste Management (finalist)
2012
Attained Level 4 B-BBEE rating
SKAL International Award for Responsible Tourism: finalist
2011
Attained Level 5 B-BBEE rating
Table Mountain is named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
Overall winner of 2011 Imvelo Award for Responsible Tourism
Health & Safety Management System is OHSAS 18001 certified
2010
SANParks Cape Regional Achievement Award: Business Partner of the Year
Heritage Environmental Rating: Platinum
2009
Mail & Guardian Greening the Future Award: finalist
South African Tourism’s Attraction of the Year Award: finalist
Re-certified as ISO 14001 compliant
2008
Imvelo Award for Responsible Tourism - Best single Resource Management: Water Management (winner)
Heritage Environmental Rating: Silver Iskhus Power Achievement
Award Business Partner of the Year (in recognition of energy savings)
SANParks Cape Regional Achievement Award: Business Partner of the Year
2005
Imvelo Award for Responsible Tourism – Best Overall Environmental Programme (finalist)
2004
Table Mountain becomesa World Heritage Site
2003
Our Environmental Management System is awarded ISO 14001 certification
2000
The Green Globe Achievement Award: a commendation for Environmental Management and Awareness in our first year of membership
1999
EPPIC (Environmental Planning Professions Interdisciplinary Committee) National Premium Award for Integrated Environmental Management: in recognition of the environmentally sensitive way in which the Cableway was built and is operated
1998
Fulton Commendation: for excellence in use of concrete
In April 2016 we bade farewell to our longtime Managing Director Sabine Lehmann.
During her 18 year journey, nine as the Managing Director, with the Cableway, Sabine’s many successes included championing the campaign to have Table Mountain named a New7Wonder of Nature, driving the Cableway Company to be recognised as a leader in responsible tourism and to be recognised as a Level 3 B-BBEE contributor.
Anne Ray, chairman of the Cableway Board echoed the Cableway team’s sentiments when she said: “While we are sad to say farewell to Sabine, we appreciate her very meaningful contribution to our Company, overseeing a period of unparalleled growth which has seen us hosting our 25 millionth visitor in 2016. We wish her well in her new endeavours.” We wish Sabine every success in the future.