Cableway ‘backed by most residents’

An independent Ipsos poll commissioned by the developers of the proposed Franschhoek Cableway has found strong overall support for the project among local residents, with nearly two-thirds of respondents indicating they are strongly in favour of the development.

According to Prof David Venter, a specialist in negotiation, conflict resolution and leadership appointed by the Franschhoek Cableway to engage with both supporters and opponents of the project, the independent Ipsos poll showed overwhelming support for the project, with 64% of Franschhoek residents strongly in favour.

However, concerns were also raised by older members of the community.

Ipsos poll

The study, conducted over a 12-week period, surveyed a scientifically-selected sample of 500 Franschhoek residents aged 18 and older.

Ipsos used in-person, computer-assisted personal interviews conducted at high-traffic locations across the town, supported by a community outreach and pre-booking process to ensure accessibility and broad participation.

According to a summary of the poll supplied to Eikestadnuus, the methodology was designed to be both inclusive and representative of the town’s diverse population.

Interviews were conducted in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, the final sample comprising 400 South African citizens and 100 non-South African residents.

Business owners accounted for 74 respondents across a wide range of sectors.

The poll found that around seven in 10 respondents were in favour of the aerial cableway, with nearly two-thirds indicating strong support.

Approximately half of those surveyed believe the development would have a positive impact on their households, while 78% expected it to result in job creation and wider economic benefits.

Support was broadly consistent across race, gender, education and employment status, particularly among tourism-related businesses such as accommodation, food and beverage, transport and retail.

However, opposition was notably higher among older residents, with about 30% of respondents aged 55 and over strongly opposed to the project.

While many residents view the cableway as an opportunity to stimulate tourism and economic growth, a minority raised concerns about potential negative impacts.

These include increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, strain on local infrastructure and possible damage to the natural environment and Franschhoek’s character.

Ipsos noted that although overall sentiment is positive, further acceptance of the project will depend on clear and credible mitigation measures addressing traffic management, environmental protection and preservation of the town’s aesthetic and community identity.

Venter urged anyone wishing to review the study to contact him directly.

He added that the 500 participants interviewed exceeded the sample size typically required to ensure a fair and representative reflection of sentiment within the town.

Traffic congestion

Venter explained that one of the mitigation measures the developers of the Franschhoek Cableway will, on approval from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), adopt is the construction of the Robbertsvlei Road that would be upgraded for the cableway’s mandatory shuttle service.

He explained that it would be compulsory for visitors to the cableway to park at a designated parking spot outside the town whereafter shuttles would pick clients up and drop them off at the base of the cableway at Haute Cabrière.

Franschhoek Cableway

Venter said the project is expected to cost approximately R500 million and that, following a two-year period since its launch, all supporting documentation – including the required impact assessments – will be submitted to the department in June.

Afterwards, the project will again be advertised for a 30-day public comment period.

He noted that the public continued to refer to the development as the “Skytram”, despite the project’s having been rebranded several months ago.

ALSO READ: Skytram project remains suspended

The development is now officially known as the Franschhoek Cableway, with Pieter Graaff named as one of the developers.

Graaff, who also co-owns the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, is one of South Africa’s largest soft fruit producers. He is also involved in the country’s wine industry.

According to Venter the project has evolved since it was first introduced to the public in February 2024.

One of the key changes includes the relocation of the upper station within the Mount Rochelle Nature Reserve further back from the ridge line to reduce its visual impact and avoid obstructing the natural scenery.

Venter further emphasised that noise pollution during construction would be kept to a minimum.

Helicopters transporting materials to the upper cable station will operate from the far side of Mount Rochelle, flying routes that face away from the town.

He added that a trust for the Franschhoek community will be established as part of the project. While further details are not yet available, more information will be shared in due course.

In addition, Venter said the Franschhoek Cableway has introduced a public awareness initiative, which includes placing informational stickers on the rear windows of taxis operating in the town.