Cape Town - Communities from baboon-affected areas should note that processes are underway to secure the services of baboon rangers for December 2024, including the upcoming transitioning period starting on 1 January 2025.
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town hosted engagements with communities from baboon-affected areas in June 2024, about the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP), its implementation, and the development of area-based solutions in cooperation with the individual communities.
During these meetings residents raised concerns about the contract with NCC Environmental Services coming to an end by 31 December 2024.
NCC has been contracted by the City to manage the Urban Baboon Programme, including the provision of baboon rangers to keep troops out of the urban area and in their natural environment as far as possible.
Over the past few months the CPBMJTT has been exploring several options to address the upcoming bridging period.
The CPBMJTT wants to inform affected communities that several processes are now underway to enable the presence of baboon rangers in coming months:
The first is a short-term solution, in the form of a Request for Quotation process, to ensure a presence of baboon rangers during the festive season. The RFQ is being advertised by the City of Cape Town this week as a temporary measure only
The second is an interim solution, namely to appoint a contractor for a 12-month period, on a month-to-month basis
The preferred long-term solution that is to be finalised while the above processes are underway, is a partnership with a non-profit organisation that can receive grant funding from the CPBMJTT partners, as well as funding and donations from external sources such as affected communities and the general public.
The NPO is to perform selected operational and other tasks needed in implementing the Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
This includes the implementation of area-based solutions; education, awareness and communication campaigns; community outreach events; the hosting of a dedicated website and mobile app; ongoing engagement with researchers; and the provision of baboon rangers in support of other management interventions such as population control, strategic fences, and waste management, amongst others.
The above steps are underway with urgency and intent as we are transitioning to a more sustainable urban baboon programme which involves communities, as well as the parties to the CPBMJTT.
The CPBMJTT also wanted to thank affected communities for their ongoing support.