The Table Mountain aerial cableway, a popular attraction maintained through sustainable tourism practices.
Image: Unsplash
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has earned a silver medal in the Managing Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Upcycle category at the 2025 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards.
The announcement was made on April 10 during World Travel Market Africa (WTM), held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, a leading event in the continent's tourism landscape.
These awards spotlight the remarkable efforts of organisations championing responsible and sustainable tourism, evaluated by a panel of global experts who prioritise measurable impact, innovation, and benefits to both society and the environment.
TMACC’s innovative waste management strategy has distinguished it from its peers, showcasing creativity and commitment at every operational level - from daily recycling efforts to large-scale reuse initiatives.
Over the last decade, TMACC has successfully diverted nearly 750 tonnes of waste from landfills, accounting for more than 62 percent of its total waste generation, underlining its role as a key player in sustainability.
“Operating at altitude means waste can’t simply be wheeled to the kerb,” explains Selma Hercules, Executive Director at TMACC.
“We have a dedicated night crew that collects and sorts rubbish after hours, with every item processed responsibly. We’ve even upcycled old staff uniforms into dog blankets for shelters and turned decommissioned cables into souvenirs such as medals and magnets.”
All the winners of the winners at this year's WTM Responsible Tourism Awards.
Image: Unsplash
This hands-on approach ensures that waste is not only managed but creatively repurposed, becoming integral to the Cableway's operational model.
With over 50 recycling bins distributed across its facilities and a dedicated in-house recycling team, TMACC meticulously tracks waste volumes daily and prioritises educational initiatives.
One of its standout programmes, Class in the Clouds, engages local learners, fostering a culture of environmental awareness among youth.
This achievement echoes TMACC’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.
The Cableway also entered another category, Increasing Local Sourcing - Creating Shared Value, recognising its ongoing efforts in local procurement that promote economic inclusion throughout its supply chain.
A remarkable 97 percent of TMACC’s retail products and 99 percent of its food and beverage offerings are sourced from South African suppliers, with more than half of its retail vendors being women-owned.
Beyond basic procurement, TMACC actively supports its suppliers through mentorship, flexible payment options, and product development initiatives.
Some retail vendors have even joined in on upcycling projects, creatively transforming sweatshirt offcuts into soft toy stuffing.
Through its Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, TMACC has empowered more than 30 small businesses, including award-winning upcycler Lilly Loompa and the artisan collective Ukusika Yezandla, demonstrating the tangible impact the cableway has on the local community.
“Tourism must be more than scenic views; it should create value where it’s needed most,” reflects Hercules.
“This award is a nod to the everyday efforts behind the scenes and a reminder that local tourism can set the bar for sustainability.”
