A significant controversy has engulfed the Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape, stemming from the unlawful construction of tourism facilities on Trekkloof farm by its owner, Anton Kok. Tensions have been escalating for three years over what constitutes appropriate tourism development in this sensitive wilderness area, and the obligations of landowners and conservationists.

Kok initiated construction of the tourism facilities in late 2022 without securing the necessary building plans or environmental authorisation. This led to the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs levying a substantial administrative fine of R625,000. However, the fine was controversially reduced to R125,000, with one of the cited reasons being Kok's membership in the Cederberg Conservancy.

The Cederberg Conservancy, established in 1997, operates as a voluntary agreement among 20 landowners collectively managing 170,000 hectares in the central Cederberg area, committed to sustainable environmental management. Its constitution includes a clause (19) allowing for membership termination if a member fails to comply with agreed guidelines or is convicted of violating environmental and development legislation.

The decision to reduce the fine provoked widespread condemnation. Critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent, potentially giving a licence for future unlawful developments to flout environmental laws and Conservancy rules. Filippo Faralla, a co-owner of the neighbouring Shunyata property and a well-known environmentalist, along with his partner Karoline Hanks, has been at the forefront of opposing the development, filing multiple objections with the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP).

Following these objections, Kok decided to submit plans to the Cederberg Municipality. This process identified the need for a Section 24G application under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) for condonation and rectification of the unlawful development. Kok stated this process was being conducted transparently. After two rounds of public participation, DEADP issued the fine on August 29, 2025, which was paid by Kok on September 26.

The rationale behind the fine reduction, specifically citing Trekkloof's membership in the Cederberg Conservancy and the smaller Rooi Cederberg Karoo Park, has particularly irked objectors. Martin Hutton-Squire, a retired planner, called the reduction an "insult to all those who do so much to maintain the Cederberg as a special place." Faralla highlighted that such a small fine (equating to only 4% of the total project cost) sends a "deeply troubling message" that illegal actions can be easily rectified. Cartographer and conservationist Peter Slingsby criticized the Conservancy's "hands-off" and neutral stance, accusing it of a "complete lack of comment or censure" and suggesting its silence implies approval, thereby setting a precedent for environmental disregard.

The Conservancy, through its chair Jannie Nieuwoudt, defended its neutral position. On September 30, Nieuwoudt reminded members that the Conservancy respects landowners' rights to develop their properties, provided such development complies with environmental legislation and respects the region's ecological character. He clarified that the Conservancy considers itself an "interested party" rather than an "affected party," and therefore refrains from involvement in private property disputes or enforcement actions. A special meeting was convened on October 5 to address members' concerns, where Kok explained his extensive three-and-a-half-year process, including public consultations and mitigation measures. The Conservancy subsequently closed ranks behind Kok without formulating specific resolutions on Trekkloof, opting instead to review its own constitution at a later meeting.

Nieuwoudt further defended Kok as an active, paid-up member who aligns with the Conservancy's objectives, guidelines, and activities. He reiterated that the Conservancy deals with facts, not opinions, viewing the issue as a municipal problem between Kok and the authorities. He rejected claims that the Conservancy's neutrality would discredit it, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community spirit among its 170,000-hectare member base, managed for 30 years without external funding.

The focus of the dispute has now shifted to Western Cape environment MEC Anton Bredell, who is tasked with adjudicating Faralla's formal objections regarding both the fine amount and the acceptance of Trekkloof's Section 24G application. Should Bredell approve the application, his department would then investigate and potentially issue a formal Environmental Authorisation for the development, which itself would be subject to further appeal, again to Bredell for final adjudication.