Image related to website content

Withdrawal of Litigation welcomed by Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team

6 Dec 2024

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, welcomes the decision by Ryno Engelbrecht, Baboon Matters, Beauty Without Cruelty and Jo-Ann Bosman to withdraw their litigation against the three authorities constituting the CPBMJTT. It is unfortunate that this litigation, brought before the Western Cape High Court, came at a great cost in terms of time, money, and human resources while the CPBMJTT was already making significant strides in laying a sound foundation for the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan. Regardless, the CPBMJTT appreciates the acknowledgement of the litigants that the authorities are indeed committed to implementing the Baboon Strategic Management Plan, that great progress has been made in this regard, and that the CPBMJTT can count on their support and cooperation going forward. Read more below:

This morning, 6 December 2024, Ryno Engelbrecht, Baboon Matters, Beauty Without Cruelty, and Jo-Ann Bosman, have withdrawn their litigation against SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town in the Western Cape High Court. All parties to the litigation have agreed to pay their own costs, as per the agreed court order.

The CPBMJTT has, over the past few months, initiated several processes to secure the presence of rangers in baboon-affected areas on the Cape Peninsula and to address the funding of these services.

It has also dedicated considerable time and resources in investigating and identifying the most suitable mechanism to support the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan.

The proposed partnership with the Shark Spotters, a non-profit organisation, is the outcome of this process whereby the NPO will perform selected operational tasks and secure and manage community resources needed for the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan.

Significant progress has been achieved:

  • The City’s appointment of NCC Environmental Services through a Request for Quotation process to ensure a presence of baboon rangers from 1 December until 31 December 2024 in baboon-affected areas to keep troops out of the urban area and in their natural environment as far as possible
  • Finalising a supply chain management process for the appointment of a contractor for a 12-month period, on a month-to-month basis, to secure baboon ranger services as from 1 January 2025 as an interim solution
  • Securing the City of Cape Town’s Council approval on 5 December 2024 for the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Shark Spotters and the associated budget needed to assist with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan as a longer term solution
  • Once the MoA between the City and Shark Spotters have been finalised, both SANParks and CapeNature will follow suit and also make contributions to the Shark Spotters, the details of which will be stipulated in their individual agreements or MoAs with the NPO
  • In February 2025 the CPBMJTT will host the inaugural meeting of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group who will represent their respective communities and organisations in engagements with the three authorities on the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan.

The Baboon Strategic Management Plan envisions a sustainable and wild baboon population living in natural landscapes on the Cape Peninsula, with community partnerships and local solutions as being key to keep baboons wild and reduce human-baboon conflict. This plan was extensively workshopped with residents, stakeholders, and all interested and affected parties; finalised and approved in December 2023.

The City, SANParks and CapeNature have, over the past two years, created an invaluable and historic relationship in the form of the CPBMJTT. The first of its kind in many decades.

The cooperation between the three spheres of government and the collective commitment in following a new path that will ensure the sustainable management of the Cape Peninsula’s Chacma baboons is a major achievement and in the best interest of the affected communities, baboons, residents in general, and all stakeholders.

The CPBMJTT thanks the communities and other stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation.

For more information contact: cpbmjtt@capenature.co.za

Share:

Related News

Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA Marine Impact Award Image 1
1 Jul 2025
Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award

Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.

Conservation Review 2025 Group Image
27 Jun 2025
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability

CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.

The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.

De Hoop Nature Reserve Bontebok
26 Jun 2025
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity

CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.

Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.

20160529 072239 W12 1921
19 Jun 2025
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Tegansmithphotography damaratrail 8
12 Jun 2025
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025

CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.

CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.

“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.

Thys De Pakhuys 5
11 Jun 2025
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire

The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” â€” a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible.