Cape Town Implements Sustainable Management of Chacma Baboon Population

1 min read
sustainable management chacma baboon population

The City of Cape Town has taken a significant step towards sustainable management of the Chacma baboon population on the Cape Peninsula. On April 25, 2023, the City’s Council approved the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the City, South African National Parks (SANParks), and CapeNature.

Coordinated Approach Across Three Spheres of Government

The MoA proposes a coordinated approach involving all three spheres of government to fulfill their respective functions and mandates towards the sustainable management of the Chacma baboon population. The City’s responsibilities focus on local government functions such as waste management, fences, roads, wildlife-friendly municipal infrastructure, and by-law enforcement.

Draft Baboon Strategic Management Plan

The draft Baboon Strategic Management Plan is an operational plan requiring commitment and cooperation from various City directorates, including Spatial Planning and Environment, Urban Waste Management, Safety and Security, Energy, Water and Sanitation, Urban Mobility, Community Services and Health, Economic Growth, and Corporate Services. Similarly, the plan requires the commitment of SANParks and CapeNature to fulfill several functions.

Partnerships with Stakeholders

Partnerships with other stakeholders, such as scientific academic institutions, animal welfare authorities, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and communities living in areas adjacent to the baboons’ natural habitat, are pivotal to the successful implementation of this new sustainable approach.

Extension of Urban Baboon Programme

The extension of the current contract for the Urban Baboon Programme for 18 months, from May 5 to November 18, 2024, is necessary to transition from the current status quo to a new era where the three spheres of government work together to provide resources and services in line with their respective mandates. The City is obliged to source public comment on its intention to extend the contract until December 31, 2024, as per the Municipal Finance Management Act.

Call for Public Comments

The call for comments on the intention to extend the current Urban Baboon Programme will be advertised on May 5, 2023, and includes rangers to assist with keeping baboons out of the urban areas as far as possible. Partnerships with various stakeholders are pivotal to the successful implementation of this new sustainable approach.

Signing of MoA

The MoA is an essential tool for coordinating the sustainable management of the Chacma baboon population, and the City Manager has the mandate to sign the MoA on the administration’s behalf, once all parties – the City, SANParks, and CapeNature – have signed the document. This is a significant step towards ensuring the City enters legally into an agreement with the other spheres of government. The City is working hard to meet the deadline of June 30, 2023, to ensure there is a bridging period before the new dispensation comes into effect.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

The Controversy of the Death Penalty Worldwide

Next Story

Winter in Cape Town: Mitigating Risks Through Proactive Measures

Latest from Blog

A Field Salute: Commemorating the Legacy of Greig Oliver

The Munster Rugby team paid tribute to their late coach, Greig Oliver, in a touching ceremony in Cape Town. Oliver was an instrumental figure in shaping the careers of many young players in the Munster Rugby Academy and was a mentor and paternal figure to them. He tragically passed away in a paragliding accident in July 2023. The team placed a commemorative wreath in remembrance of Oliver, marking their first visit to the city since his passing.

Orlando Pirates’ Revamped Recruitment Strategy

Orlando Pirates, a South African football club, is shaking up their recruitment strategy for the upcoming season. They’re looking for younger and vibrant players to join their attacking force, and are evaluating various young forwards while considering releasing current forwards to make room for new talent. The Pirates’ plan involves a mix of fresh and longstanding targets, experienced and younger players, and a willingness to reorganize their team for the better.

The Birth of CODI: A Testament to South Africa’s Dedication to Economic Stability

The launch of CODI is a significant milestone for South Africa’s financial security. It provides a safeguard for consumers by protecting their deposits up to R100,000 in case of a bank’s failure. South Africa’s measured approach towards financial sector reforms, including the establishment of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and the Prudential Authority, enhances consumer and investor confidence globally. A proactive regulatory framework and structural reforms, like CODI, rebuild public trust in financial regulation and signify South Africa’s dedication to economic stability.

Tensions Rise in South Africa Following Vigilante Incident

Tensions are rising in South Africa following a vigilante incident involving a group advocating for Cape’s autonomy. The ANC is concerned about the racial tension sparked by the incident, which involved the barricading of the R62 road connecting Eastern and Western Cape. The Cape Independence Party denies any racial charges and claims their intention was an expression of their aspiration for independence. The incident is a violation of human rights and the Constitution, urging state bodies to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The incident has highlighted the brewing political discord and racial tensions within South Africa.

**Remarkable Epoch in Cape Town: Narratives of Perseverance, Adversity, and Progress**

The Urban Mobility Awards in Cape Town celebrate the dedication and remarkable accomplishments of City staff who have devoted many years of their lives to the service of the city. Michael Ohlsson, one of the 105 staff members recognized at the event, started working for the Transport Department when he was just 19 years old and has now spent over 30 years contributing to the city’s growth and progress. The event was attended by notable figures in the city’s administration and celebrated the resilience, adaptability and dedication of longstanding members to the city’s success.