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Following the roundtable discussions on baboon management within the Cape Peninsula on 7 June 2022, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team, consisting of representatives from South African National Parks (SANParks), the City of Cape Town (CoCT) and CapeNature, deliberated on its terms of reference and work plan to deliver on a draft Memorandum of Agreement and a Strategic Management Plan of Chacma Baboons in the Cape Peninsula.

SANParks’ Managing Executive of Conservation Services, Dr Luthando Dziba, confirmed that since the roundtable discussion hosted by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy on 7 June 2022, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team has held a number of meetings to discuss a Memorandum of Agreement between the three parties, and is in the process of preparing for public engagement on the draft Strategic Baboon Management Plan. The public engagement will take place as soon as a draft plan is available, currently planned for November 2022.

“To date, a Joint Task Team Terms of Reference (ToR) has been agreed by the parties. The aim is to finalise the Memorandum of Agreement between the three parties for approval by the end of October 2022. The parties will also ensure the engagement of other parties such as the South African Navy, National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, DFFE, Cape of Good Hope SPCA, and as well as other major property owners for example, the Western Cape Government,” continues Dziba.

Since mid-August 2022 to date, the City has hosted seven online meetings with residents and businesses from baboon-affected areas to discuss a suite of more sustainable proposals. These areas are Kommetjie; Scarborough and Misty Cliffs; Constantia south of Constantia Nek, Tokai, Zwaanswyk; Da Gama, Welcome Glen, Glencairn; Simon’s Town South and Murdock Valley; Sunnydale, Capri, Imhoff’s Gift, Heron Park, Ocean View; and Simon’s Town main. The eighth meeting with Constantia residents north of Constantia Nek will follow on 22 September 2022.

“I am very pleased to say that all of these meetings were well attended and the engagements positive and constructive. Residents, interested parties and ratepayers’ associations across the board contributed with comments and proposals and also raised some concerns. We have been collating the feedback from the meetings and this will be presented to the Joint Task Team for consideration in the development of the draft Strategic Management Plan. I want to thank Minister Creecy, SANParks and CapeNature, for their leadership and guidance, and all of the officials for the spirit of cooperation. It is encouraging to note that the task team is making progress and that the draft Strategic Baboon Management Plan may be published for the public’s input before the end of the year,” said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

CapeNature’s Executive Director, Conservation Operations, Dr Ernst Baard, added “CapeNature remains committed to be part of, and contribute to, the work of the Joint Task Team, including the drafting and finalisation of the Memorandum of Agreement and the Strategic Baboon Management Plan in partnership with SANParks and the City of Cape Town. The sustainable management of baboons is important to ensure baboons continue to form an integral part of the biodiversity of the Cape Peninsula, including the Table Mountain National Park.”

The Joint Task Team encourages all stakeholders, including residents, businesses and interested and affected parties, to use the opportunity to make contributions to the draft Strategic Management Plan once the public participation process commences.

Media Enquiries:
Lauren Howard Clayton
SANParks Regional Communications Manager: Cape Region
Email: [email protected]; Cell: 071 115 5843

Letitia Mathieson
Executive Support Officer to the City of Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment
Tel: 021 400 4836 or Cell: 084 437 7249, Email: [email protected] (Please always copy [email protected])

Petro van Rhyn
General Manager: Advocacy, CapeNature
Email: [email protected]; Cell: 087 087 9262/082 814 3559