Taahir Osman is the founder and driving force behind Take Back Our Mountains (TBOM), a community-led initiative established in 2018 in response to the alarming rise in crime on Table Mountain.

Born and raised in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, Taahir developed a deep connection with Table Mountain from a young age, beginning his hiking journey at just 12 years old. His passion for the outdoors, combined with his concern for the safety of fellow hikers, runners, and cyclists, ultimately led him to take action during a period of increasing violent incidents on the mountain.
In 2018, after responding to a tragic attack involving a group of hikers some of whom were close friends Taahir made the decision to mobilise a community response. What started as small safety patrols with friends quickly evolved into a large-scale movement, bringing together people from all walks of life with a shared vision of safer, more accessible mountain spaces.

Under his leadership, TBOM has grown into a recognised stakeholder within Table Mountain National Park, working closely with authorities, SANParks, and local communities to promote safety, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
Beyond his work in conservation and community safety, Taahir is also a local entrepreneur and building contractor, professionally qualified in Quantity Surveying. He is the owner of a construction and renovation company, reflecting his strong business acumen alongside his community-driven initiatives.

Taahir remains actively involved in TBOM’s day-to-day operations, spending several days a week on the mountain conducting patrols, engaging with the public, and driving initiatives that protect both people and the environment. His vision continues to inspire a growing network of volunteers dedicated to reclaiming and preserving one of Cape Town’s most iconic natural assets.

In 2025, Taahir expanded his vision by launching Take Back Our Mountains Tourism, a dedicated division of the organisation. This initiative was established to offer safe, guided, and chauffeur-driven experiences while directly supporting the non-profit’s ongoing work. A key focus of this venture is to create sustainable opportunities through tourism, including the development of a bursary programme aimed at assisting youth from previously disadvantaged communities to become qualified tour guides. Through this model, the tourism arm actively contributes to both environmental conservation and meaningful community upliftment.