Via Ferrata route in the Berg

There are 2 difficulties I'm seeing in this debate.

The first is that it is multi-faceted. Several issues are being trashed out here and on ClimbZA, it isn't just one simple question. I've listed some already earlier in this thread (#5250). In the mean time we could add to the list:
- Is it in the interest of tourism, conservation and sustainable development?
- The problem of it clashing with an existing trad line
- who gets to make the decisions?

The other difficulty is where one draws the line. What is acceptable? What is interference? This can differ drastically from person to person and is a relative thing. What is an abomination to one person can be totally fine for another. And we can easily get lost in that spiral of debate. On one end of the scale you could (hypothetically) argue that trails and cairns are too much man-made interference in nature, and on the other end of the spectrum you could argue that progress must take it course, that everyone is entitled to access the Drakensberg and that more hotels, roads, cable cars and more freedom to practice other sports would help preserve it (these are actually real arguments, rather than hypothetical ones). So far it seems the debate is taking place among people that are more on the former side of the spectrum.

People from the latter side of the spectrum could apply the same arguments in favour of much more development. And trust me folks, they are out there. We only hear of ideas such as the cable car occasionally, there are many more that don't reach the public ear...and the arguments in favour of these tend to always include that is favourable for economic development, rural development, sustainable tourism/conservation etc.

Remember that this is way more than just an ethical and conservation-related issue. It is also a legal issue and that cannot be negated or dismissed. I think it would be very risky for KZN Wildlife NOT to react to this - it would set an uneasy precedent. The idea of a via ferrata in the Berg is one which could be worked through if it were approached correctly. I know this point has already been made but it is a really important one I believe. And as a result negative attitudes have now also been unfairly fostered against KZN Wildlife and the MCSA. And look at the division is has created...very regrettable.

I think we also need to remind ourselves that we as the hiking and climbing are not the only players here and we are not the legal custodians of the Drakensberg either. In that respect it doesn't matter who we are as individuals, nor how much time we spend in the Berg and what we have hiked and climbed. Our opinions and activities do matter but they are part of a bigger picture. We don't get to paint the whole picture.

Please note that this Via Ferrata route has been officially closed and declared illegal. The clamps holding the cable at the bottom of each pitch have been removed, which makes it very dangerous to use. It should not be climbed.

This is exactly the crux of the matter Raat83: the way in which is was done. KZN Wildlife are not the bad guys here - they have to take action in order to protect the area, and if they don't it sets a very undesirable precedent. I think they can be approached with ideas like this. Not to say they will always approve though, but there will be reasons for that. Remember that they are the ones trying keeping 4x4's and cable cars off the escarpment, and I think most here are happy about that. And as long as the correct procedures are followed I think most tradies and purists will find a way to live with it.

As for existing structures like the Chain Ladders, a process was followed in setting them up. It wasn't done in secret for fear of the bureaucracy in getting permission. It was also done under different laws and management philosophies than what are applicable now. For example, there used to be a hut at Keith Bush Camp. When the Mdedelelo Wilderness Area was proclaimed it was dismantled because the laws governing a wilderness area prohibit any man-made structures. Yes, not all structures have been removed from the wilderness areas, but the example illustrates what can be done under different eras and laws.

A photo of the notice posted at the route can be found here:
cen.mcsa.org.za/home/via-ferrata