DocumentOther

Factual Update on Baboon Management

Overstrand MunicipalityRef: https://www.overstrand.gov.za/factual-update-on-baboon-management/

Official source

Source domain: overstrand.gov.za

Collected on 3 August 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

This is a media statement by the Overstrand Municipality titled “Factual Update on Baboon Management” (dated 3 August 2026). It sets out the Municipality’s account of baboon management in the Overstrand municipal area, including that a Strategic Baboon Management Plan (SBMP) was approved by the MEC and extended to January 2027, and that the SBMP is being reviewed with public participation planned within the next 9–12 months. It also addresses an EMS Foundation court application and a Western Cape High Court order agreed on 27 July 2026, stating that the order stays proceedings but maintains the status quo for active management of the Betty’s Bay troop, including the use of gel blasters, while restricting several other tools except to avert imminent or actual threats.

Facts

Places

Western Cape

Reference

https://www.overstrand.gov.za/factual-update-on-baboon-management/

Key Takeaways

Document title: Factual Update on Baboon Management
Issuing organisation: Overstrand Municipality
Date of publication: 3 August 2026
SBMP approved by MEC and extended to January 2027
SBMP is overarching strategic policy for all baboon populations in Overstrand
Betty’s Bay: shepherding-only approach used during 2025
Betty’s Bay: Municipality began actively managing the troop in November 2025
Betty’s Bay: gel blasters used since beginning of April 2026
SBMP review underway; informed by Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan and Action Plan of 2025
Review expected to be completed within 9–12 months; public comment to follow
EMS Foundation launched proceedings in June 2026 seeking interdicts
Western Cape High Court order dated/mentioned: 27 July 2026
Agreed draft order stays legal proceedings pending SBMP review finalisation
Status quo maintained for active management of Betty’s Bay troop including gel blasters
Betty’s Bay restrictions during order: no paintball markers, pepper balls, pepper spray, bear bangers, strobe lights, water cannons, artificial light, drones, or night operations (except to avert imminent/actual threat)
Overstrand Municipality
EMS Foundation
Western Cape High Court
Cape Nature (CapeNature)
MEC for Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Western Cape Province
Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan
Action Plan of 2025

Dates

Closing Date

27 July 2026