As the premier mountaineering organisation in southern Africa, the MCSA has a great deal to offer its members by way of privileges and opportunities.
In addition to meets that help you discover new routes and mountain areas in the company of members who know them well, and access to magnificent MCSA-owned properties and private wilderness areas around the country, here are more reasons why it’s worth joining the Cape Town Section, or another section that is geographically nearest to you.
- We are the only club in Africa affiliated to the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). If you’re planning any international climbing trips, consult the UIAA first.
- MCSA members can purchase coupons/stamps to stay in UIAA Member Federation huts internationally, at Member Federation rates. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) manages the sale of stamps and bookings for the mountain huts. To buy stamps for an identified hut, contact Claudia Bähler at claudia.baehler@sac-cas.ch, and cc. secretary@mcsa.org.za. In your message, include the number of people, the dates, and the name of the mountain hut you wish to book. Once availability is agreed, Claudia will invoice the MCSA for the cost. The MCSA member will then need to make the necessary payment to the MCSA who in turn will pay the SAC. Once the SAC has received the payment, the stamps will be issued. See here for more information on this arrangement. NB: Please make sure that you have an up-to-date membership card before starting this process.
Discounts on Gear
The MCSA has negotiated special discounts for members, including 5% off purchases from Cape Union Mart, and 10% off purchases from City Rock, Cape Storm and Drifters. Discounts are available on presentation of a valid MCSA membership card.
The Cape Town Section Clubhouse at 97 Hatfield Street has a comprehensive library of mountaineering books and DVDs. There’s also a braai lapa, and refreshments are available on socials evenings.
Speakers and socials
Club members and invited guests are an adventurous lot who love sharing their stories, from exploring the Brandberg to climbing big walls in the Karakoram. There are general speakers at the Clubhouse, usually on a Wednesday or Friday evening, and rock climbers tell their tales on the first Tuesday of each month. Topics are listed on the Calendar.
Volunteering
The MCSA offers meaningful opportunities to contribute to the Club, local communities and society at large:
- Our Outreach Programme takes youngsters from underprivileged communities on hikes at least twice a month.
- The MCSA’s Mountain Rescue team works closely with Wilderness Search and Rescue organisations to assist those in trouble in the mountains.
- The Plant Conservation Programme arranges hack meets to help rid our properties of invasive alien vegetation, and helps with various conservation initiatives in other areas.
- Meet leaders share their knowledge of the mountains and various walking, scrambling and climbing routes with group members.
