Table Mountain fire disrupts preparations for State of the Nation Address
Firefighting crews and aerial resources respond to a blaze in the Game Camp area along Hospital Bend on the M3 in Table Mountain National Park as Cape Town prepares for Sona at Cape Town City Hall.
Image: SANParks/ Facebook
As South Africa holds its breath ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (Sona), a fire was reported on the slopes above Hospital Bend on the M3, prompting a multi-agency response on Thursday.
The blaze broke out in the Game Camp area within Table Mountain National Park, with South African National Parks (SANParks) dispatching ground firefighting crews. Two helicopters and a spotter aircraft were deployed to assist with aerial firefighting operations.
City firefighters were also on scene.
Firefighting crews and aerial resources respond to a blaze in the Game Camp area along Hospital Bend on the M3 in Table Mountain National Park, as Cape Town prepares for the 2026 State of the Nation Address.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for the City’s Traffic Services, said Phillip Kgosana Drive incoming has been closed at Hospital Bend due to the fire.
“All vehicles are being diverted towards Nelson Mandela Boulevard,” Jacobs said.
He confirmed that two helicopters were water bombing the area and described the situation as an ongoing incident.
“More information will be shared as soon as it’s available,” he added.
Motorists were urged to expect delays and to use alternative routes where possible.
The incident comes as Cape Town finalises preparations for Sona, scheduled to take place at Cape Town City Hall.
Recent dry and windy conditions have heightened wildfire risks across the peninsula during the peak summer fire season.
No impact on Sona preparations had been reported at the time of publication. Emergency crews remained on scene as efforts to contain the blaze continued.
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