Questions regarding permits

Neil Margetts – RandRock

MCSA sections manage access to certain properties on which permit fees are applicable. These are properties not owned by the MCSA. You can apply for these permits online and are payable to the various sections. The permits fees are applicable to both members and non-members.

Non-members wanting to visit MCSA properties without a MCSA member must apply for a permit.

We do not issue permits to non-members for the first weekend of any month, as we reserve that weekend for MCSA members and their guests only.

We only allow a maximum of 30 individuals per property per day.

Please check with the meet leader. Children are always welcome on condition that the event is suitable and safe for them.

TAKE NOTE that the safety of the children remains the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

We do not allow any dogs on our properties.

Magaliesberg kloofs are wilderness areas.  Paths, campsites and access routes are unclear or unmarked.  Visitors must be comfortable in wild areas and understand the risks of hiking, swimming, wild animals and the weather. Access is restricted to MCSA members, their guests and permit holders and trespassers will be prosecuted.

  1. Please be very considerate.  Do not enter or leave the area before sunrise or after sunset.
  2. Keep as quiet as possible and respect the landowner’s privacy.
  3. Close all gates after entry or departure.
  4. Cross fences at stiles only.
  5. OVERNIGHT CAMPING is only allowed at the new MCSA campsite indicated on the map.
  6. Please leave the campsite tidy and clean.
  7. No camping in the gorge or riverbed.
  8. REMOVE ALL RUBBISH FROM MOUNTAIN AREAS (including tissues and cigarette stubs).
  9. Rubbish may not be hidden under stones or in rock fissures.
  10. KEEP STREAMS AND WATER UNPOLLUTED.
  11. Do not wash yourself, dishes, or anything else in the streams.  Do not use soap in the streams.
  12. SANITATION:  Bury all human waste properly.  Operate well away from campsite and watercourses.
  13. Digging for any other purpose is not allowed.
  14. Do not interfere with fauna, flora or natural and cultural artefacts.
  15. DO NOT MAKE FIRES.  Operate your camp stoves with great care.
  16. No pets, firearms, axes, picks, saws, large knives, radios, or tape decks allowed.
  17. Respect fellow mountain users and assist and encourage them to adhere to this code of conduct.
  18. No bolting is allowed on the rock faces.
  19. Avoid nesting birds. See the News page for the latest on nesting Black Eagles.
  20. SWIMMING:  Please be considerate towards other visitors and wear a bathing costume.
  21. Permit money is not refundable.
  22. You are responsible for your own safety and those going with you, and for arranging help should you run into trouble.

Questions regarding membership

Anyone wanting to apply for membership of the Magaliesberg Section (MAG) of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) must support the objectives of the club, have an active and healthy interest in the activities of the club, maintain the spirit of the club, and promote the good name of the club. Study the Constitution, Objects and Code of Conduct of the MCSA. Decide whether you agree in principle and will support the goals of the MCSA, and would like to become a member.

Prospective members must attend MCSA MAG Orientation (Calendar) in order to join the club.

By joining the Magaliesberg Section you effectively become part owner of all the properties and as such have a share in the responsibility for the maintenance and safety thereof. You have a choice to either participant in patrolling the properties or conservation (weeding the properties). While on the property we ask that you behave as an owner. I.e.: if you see a stranger, ask them if they are members or have a permit, else are trespassing.

Patrolling: When on the properties, and not only when patrolling, we require you to keep an eye out for trespassers and problems such as fencing or fires, etc. Your name will be added to a rotating patrolling roster that would require you to spend a weekend, once every 12-18 months, on a property. You may choose the property you want to patrol and may make an official club meet thereof.

Conservation: You are required to volunteer for weeding and work meets once a year. Conservation forms a major part of the MCSA’s responsibility towards the environment. Weeding forms a very important part of environmental management.

The MCSA owns and have access to many environmentally sensitive and potentially dangerous properties and areas. The two required signatories, is our attempt to assess your attitude towards nature and eliminate negligent individuals.

  1. Completed & signed application form
  2. Head & shoulder photo: format jpg (just take a selfie with your cell phone)
  3. Reciprocal – Letter of good standing from previous MCSA Section

Description:

Yearly Fees:

Ordinary – Single

R590

Ordinary – Joint

R980

Student

R290

Youth

R110

Child

R45

Joining Fee

R450

Please note you can only pay the membership fees after you have submitted your application form and after your application went through the approval process.

Most of the MCSA sections were independent clubs, but have now joined under the “umbrella” of the MCSA. Efforts are made to preserve the unique culture of each section and they are still run independently.

Most Sections of the MCSA own property and therefore must carry the risks and rewards. Each Section has their own overhead costs and own membership rate structures. An elected committee that tries to adhere to the unique requirements of that section’s members manages each of the MCSA Sections.

Temporary Membership fees (guest fee) on Club Meets: Non-members who would like to attend MCSA outings as a guest of a member must pay a guest fee. This may be paid to the meet leader, or directly into the Magaliesberg Section’s bank account. Please confirm the amount with your meet leader.

Parking/entrance fees: Much of our land is accessed through agreed servitudes or land owners allowing individuals to park and walk through their property. Many of these land owners make it worth their while by asking a small parking fee. A parking fee is often required and has to be paid to the landowner where we park.

Transport: A contribution to transport costs is expected. Please find out beforehand what fees are payable and have the amount ready.

1 Day: >1 Day:
Adults R 50.00 R 50.00
Students/Pensioners R 20.00 R 30.00
Children <18 years Free Free

Have a look out for any events that might interest you on the Calendar or on our social media pages. Then simply contact the event leader and inform him of your skill level, and ask any questions you might have. Depending on the event and your skill level the meet leader will advise you re joining the outing.

You do not have to RSVP for the club evenings, all are welcome.