PETITION FOR URGENT INTERVENTION AND RESTORATION OF ACCESS ON THE R328 FOLLOWING THE ROCKFALL NEAR THE CANGO CAVES

To:
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure

Copied to:

Oudtshoorn Municipality
Western Cape Government
Local and Provincial Public Representatives
Tourism and Agricultural Stakeholders
Subject:

Urgent Request for the Restoration of Access Along the R328 to Protect Communities, Tourism, Agriculture, and Heritage Assets

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, tourism operators, farmers, employees, and concerned citizens, respectfully petition the Western Cape Government to urgently prioritise the restoration of access along the R328 following the recent rockfall that has severely impacted travel to Matjiesrivier, the Cango Valley, the Cango Caves, the Swartberg Pass, and Gamkaskloof (Die Hel).

The R328 is not merely a provincial road; it is the primary artery connecting communities, agricultural enterprises, tourism establishments, and heritage destinations that form the backbone of the greater Oudtshoorn economy.

The consequences of the current closure extend far beyond inconvenience. They threaten livelihoods, isolate communities, restrict access to internationally recognised attractions, and place significant strain on an already vulnerable regional economy.

Impact on Tourism and Heritage

The tourism sector is one of the largest contributors to employment and economic activity in the Greater Oudtshoorn area. The current situation places this sector at considerable risk.

The R328 provides access to two of Oudtshoorn's most significant heritage and tourism assets:

Cango Caves – one of South Africa's most iconic natural attractions and among the country's oldest and most visited tourism destinations.
Swartberg Pass – internationally recognised as part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and widely regarded as one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world.
Both destinations are integral to the identity of Oudtshoorn and attract thousands of domestic and international visitors annually. Access to both attractions is dependent on the R328 corridor.

Tourism establishments throughout the Cango Valley, Matjiesrivier, Gamkaskloof and surrounding areas are already experiencing cancellations, reduced visitor numbers, and substantial revenue losses. The longer access remains restricted, the greater the long-term damage to visitor confidence and the regional tourism economy.

Impact on Local Communities

Residents of the affected areas depend on the R328 for access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, municipal services, suppliers, and essential goods.

The disruption has created uncertainty and hardship for families, workers, and businesses who rely on this route daily.

Impact on Agriculture

The agricultural sector remains a critical contributor to the regional economy. Farmers and agricultural enterprises are facing increased transport costs, delays in the movement of goods, challenges with supplier access, and disruptions to normal operations.

Continued restrictions threaten productivity and place additional financial pressure on producers already operating in a challenging economic environment.

Safety and Emergency Services

Reliable road access is essential for emergency medical services, fire and rescue operations, disaster management teams, law enforcement, and other critical services.

The current situation raises serious concerns regarding emergency response times and public safety should further incidents occur in the affected areas.

Our Requests

We respectfully request that the Western Cape Government:

1.       Declare the restoration of safe and reliable access along the affected section of the R328 a matter of urgent priority.

2.       Provide transparent and regular public updates regarding the extent of the damage, engineering assessments, and anticipated repair timelines.

3.       Allocate the necessary resources to expedite both temporary and permanent remedial works.

4.       Investigate and implement safe alternative access solutions wherever feasible while permanent repairs are undertaken.

5.       Engage directly with affected communities, tourism operators, agricultural stakeholders, and businesses throughout the process.

6.       Consider economic relief and support measures for businesses and communities experiencing substantial financial losses because of the closure.

Conclusion

The R328 is far more than a transport route. It is a vital economic lifeline that connects communities, sustains agriculture, supports hundreds of jobs, and provides access to some of the most important tourism and heritage attractions in the Western Cape.

Every day of restricted access results in further economic loss and hardship for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

We therefore call upon the Western Cape Government to act with urgency, transparency, and commitment to restore safe access as quickly as possible and to safeguard the future of the communities and industries that depend on this critical route.

We respectfully request a formal written response outlining the actions being taken and the anticipated timeline for the restoration of access.