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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.

Our copy (archived 3 August 2026)Official source

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