SANParks suspends indemnity form process at Table Mountain just days after introduction

South African National Parks (SANParks) has suspended the indemnity and verification form requirement at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) with immediate effect.

The suspension came just days after the parks body announced the implementation of the measure.

It had been introduced at selected high-volume gates to strengthen verification and governance processes, as outdoor correspondent Jeff Ayliffe explains.

TMNP said that the indemnity form was primarily aimed at verifying the eligibility of South African visitors for discounted fees - an interim step while the park phased in a new digital ID-scanning system.

RELATED: Table Mountain National Park introduces indemnity forms at high-volume gates

"However they have acknowledged that implementation has lengthened the process and has led to operational delays and a lot of visitor frustration."

SANParks said in a social media post that they have listened to the concerns raised by visitors and tourism partners "and have acted decisively".

One visitor commented that she'd been to both Boulders Beach and Cape Point and could see that park employees also were not impressed by the massive queues the new rule caused.

Over the next 12 months, a fully digitised ID and passport verification system will be introduced at park gates. This includes high-speed scanning technology to ensure accurate compliance while delivering a seamless visitor experience, says SANparks.

During this transition, gate operations will continue without the indemnity form requirement.

To listen to The Outdoor Report with Jeff Ayliffe on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below (SANParks discussion at 1:41):