Outrage over baboon removal plan: Activists voice concerns
Plans are afoot for the removal of several baboon troops due to limited resources and human conflict.
Image: File
Baboon rights activists have expressed outrage and shock at the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team's Strategic Management Plan, which proposes the removal of five splinter troops, claiming hundreds of animals could be affected.
The task team last week presented the proposed action plan for the Cape Peninsula baboon, which includes the proposed removal of five splinter troops - CT1, CT2, Waterfall, Seaforth and Da Gama4, due to limited natural resources, human conflict, and poor welfare.
The plan will be reviewed by experts and the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group by mid-June.
Removal options include translocation, sanctuaries, humane euthanasia, or a combination.
The process and outcomes will be made public.
The Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation, a community engaged and representative body, said the plans would affect population numbers.
'To remove, most likely by killing, a quarter of the Cape Peninsula's managed baboon population is deeply shocking,' said conservation chairperson, Lynda Silk.
"Even though we expected an announcement along these lines for some time, our community and members are reeling.
"There is so much to consider in the impacts of this action and the possible alternatives.
"We cannot respond fully without giving this time to investigate, to feel and to consider deeply.'
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The conservation said approximately 120 of the 490 baboons on the Cape Peninsula could possibly be killed.
'There are a lot of questions and serious ethical dilemmas that this raises and need to be seriously investigated. The details of how these approximately 120 baboons in total will practically be 'removed' are still to be confirmed. They might go to a sanctuary or they may be killed.
'One can imagine that whether baboons will be killed or relocated to an enclosed sanctuary, the practicality of removing them will be extremely complex.
"Baboons are intelligent, and often difficult to trap or dart even in single numbers.
"We have watched vets attempting to dart a single baboon and having to give up and walk away when time ran out.
"How will those involved manage to capture or to kill a full troop of more than 40 baboons (Waterfall and CT1) in one go?"
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
The organisation said the plan would have a ripple effect.
'We expect to see an increasing number of people breaking the law in attempts to harm baboons as it seems authorities give up on them, and we're also expecting to see others breaking the law in desperate attempts to save baboons."
The task team said the welfare of the Cape Peninsula baboon troops has severely regressed in the past three years, while the population increased, putting pressure on available resources.
'It is proposed that five splinter troops be removed from the Cape Peninsula as these troops have limited access to low-lying natural land with plants of high nutritional value for foraging; the low-lying areas are too small to sustain them; rangers have very little success in keeping the baboons out of the urban areas leading to an over-reliance on aversion techniques; the health and welfare of the troops are severely compromised; and escalating conflict between baboons and residents is being recorded," they said.
Cape Argus
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
Beyond drums and dances: reclaiming Pan-African youth leadership in the digital age
Behind the ritualistic drumbeats and cultural performances that typically mark these occasions lies a stark reality: across the continent, youth — especially young women and rural girls — face systemic marginalisation that restricts their access to education, political influence, and economic opportunity, says the writer. Image: Independent Media Maha Jouini is driving ethical AI and responsible data practices to empower Francophone Africa, champion Pan-African values, and foster inclusive innovation. Image: Supplied Africa is the youngest continent on earth, with over 70% of its population under the age of 30 (African Development Bank, 2021). Yet this demographic advantage—often celebrated with ceremonial fanfare during annual Youth Month observances — remains largely untapped. Behind the ritualistic drumbeats and cultural performances that typically mark these occasions lies a stark reality: across the continent, youth — especially young women and rural girls — face systemic marginalisation that restricts their access to education, political influence, and economic opportunity. As we reflect during Youth Month, this is not merely a moment for celebration but a clarion call to dismantle exclusion and build inclusive futures grounded in authentic Pan-African values: solidarity, equity, innovation, and self-determination. The time has come to move beyond performative acknowledgement toward transformative action. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Silent Exclusion of Young Women: The Case of Northern Cameroon Cameroon's ratification of major international conventions on gender equality — including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) — has not prevented deep inequalities from persisting, particularly in the North, Adamaoua, and Far North regions. These areas are marked by enduring patriarchal norms that place minimal value on girls' education. As documented by Fadimatou Sali (2022), pervasive stereotypes — including beliefs that educated girls become unmarriageable — systematically drive early school dropouts, child marriage, and lifelong economic dependence. This exclusion transcends gender issues; it represents a fundamental development crisis that undermines the region's entire economic potential. When half the population is systematically excluded from education and formal economic participation, entire communities suffer the consequences. Youth in Urban Centres: From Digital Resistance to Civic Reinvention Urban youth across the continent are writing a different narrative entirely. Digital connectivity and cross-border solidarity networks have enabled them to organise sophisticated resistance movements against authoritarianism, inequality, and systemic exclusion. Social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and online organising tools have democratised access to information and coordination capabilities that previous generations could only dream of. As explored by Luntumbue and Kupper (2023), movements like Y'en a Marre (Senegal), Le Balai Citoyen (Burkina Faso), and Filimbi (Democratic Republic of Congo) demonstrate that contemporary youth are far from apolitical — they have simply rejected the hollow promises and corrupt practices of traditional political establishments. These digitally-savvy activists leverage Twitter campaigns, viral videos, and WhatsApp networks to mobilise thousands, often bypassing traditional media gatekeepers entirely. These movements represent more than protest collectives; they embody a fundamental civic transformation. Their digital fluency enables them to document police brutality in real-time, fact-check government propaganda instantly, and coordinate peaceful demonstrations across multiple cities simultaneously — capabilities that fundamentally alter the power dynamics between citizens and states. Youth in Marginalised Urban Communities: The Tunisian Experience A comprehensive 2022 report by International Alert, extensively covered in La Presse de Tunisie, reveals how youth in Tunisia's densely populated neighbourhoods — including Kabaria (Tunis), Kasserine Nord, and Tataouine Nord — confront a development model designed to exclude them. Despite elaborate rhetoric about youth inclusion and numerous dialogue forums, actual public policy implementation has systematically failed to address their fundamental social needs, fostering widespread despair, alienation, and escalating violence. This failure, characterised by researchers as a fundamentally punitive development approach, has contributed to alarming rates of depression and social aggression among young people, with devastating implications for mental health and community cohesion. Youth interviewed for the study expressed profound feelings of state betrayal, citing persistent unemployment, inadequate healthcare access, substandard educational opportunities, and pervasive social stigmatisation. The study reveals how this systematic marginalisation creates a destructive cycle: exclusion breeds frustration, frustration manifests as delinquency and risky behaviour, which then leads to youth incarceration without meaningful rehabilitation programs. Prisons become warehouses of despair rather than spaces for social reintegration, perpetuating rather than breaking cycles of marginalisation. Digital Tools as Liberation Technologies What distinguishes this generation of African youth is their intuitive mastery of digital technologies as tools for social transformation. From organising flash protests through encrypted apps to creating alternative media platforms that bypass state censorship, young Africans are leveraging technology to reclaim agency over their narratives and futures. In countries with restrictive media environments, youth have created underground networks of citizen journalists who document and disseminate information about government corruption, police brutality, and social injustices. Blockchain-based systems enable secure communication and even alternative economic systems that operate beyond state control. This digital fluency represents a fundamental shift in power dynamics. Previous generations required access to printing presses, radio stations, or television networks to reach mass audiences. Today's youth can livestream events to thousands, create viral content that reaches millions, and coordinate international solidarity campaigns—all from smartphones that cost less than a month's minimum wage. Pan-African Lessons: From Margins to Centre From the systematically silenced girls of northern Cameroon to the digitally mobilised youth activists in Kinshasa and Ouagadougou, and the economically abandoned youth of Tunisia's marginalised neighbourhoods, a clear pattern emerges: Africa's sustainable progress depends entirely on its youth receiving genuine inclusion, not tokenistic representation. The African Youth Charter (2006) formally recognises young people as primary drivers of peace, transformation, and sustainable development. However, this recognition must translate into concrete structural inclusion with measurable outcomes and accountability mechanisms.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Mthatha floods victims will be resettled on new land, says Cogta
The flooding in the Eastern Cape has led to a tragic loss of lives. Image: Gift of the Givers SUITABLE land will be identified and allocated to the victims of the devastating Eastern Cape floods to enable long-term, dignified housing solutions. This, according to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in the Eastern Cape, was the assurance Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane made to the victims during her oversight visit to two severely impacted informal settlements, Skiet and Eugene, to engage with residents and evaluate urgent housing and support needs. Some of the residents had settled close to the Mthatha Dam, which is suspected to have been flooded during the recent heavy rains. The floods claimed the lives of nearly 100 people and displaced more than 2000. "As a key role player in disaster coordination, CoGTA continues to collaborate with all spheres of government to ensure that emergency relief reaches affected families," Cogta said. The government has come under sharp criticism from residents for how it responded to the disaster, with reports that people were trapped in flooded houses for hours with no emergency crews in sight. The South African Defence Force (SANDF) have also been lamented for delays in deploying resources like its Oryx helicopter to assist with flood relief. IOL reported that the alleged absence of Flight Engineers (FEs) had significantly hampered the SANDF's ability to operate vital aircraft during recent floods in Mthatha, as heavy rains and snow battered the Eastern Cape. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The SANDF did not respond to questions around the issue on Wednesday. While not commenting on behalf of the government, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, who is also Defence deputy minister said when president Cyril Ramaphosa visited the area, he had called for the tragedy to be declared a national state of disaster noting the 'scale of the destruction in Mthatha and surrounding areas is immense. Roads, bridges, schools, and critical infrastructure have been washed away. Entire communities are cut off from emergency services, and the humanitarian need is growing by the hour'. Holomisa said he was concerned as after Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, visited the area he had not seen the necessity in making the declaration. 'I don't want to point fingers but almost 90 people have died, it's totally out of control'. Disaster management expert, Dingaan Mahlangu from Ncuma risk management said the recent events highlighted the urgent need for 'improved disaster preparedness and rapid response mechanisms in South Africa', especially in light of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. 'We must move from reactive to proactive disaster management if we are to save lives and build resilience in vulnerable regions. Flood disasters are (becoming) increasingly common in our changing climate. With proper planning, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration, their impact can be significantly reduced,' he said. Cape Times
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Amy Foundation unveils Kind Heart Bench to promote kindness and community
The unveiling of the bench by the Amy Foundation and partners Image: Amy Foundation In a heartwarming celebration of love and community, the Amy Foundation, in collaboration with Uthando South Africa, Gildedge Travel, and Bradley Bailey of the Kind Heart Bench Project, has unveiled the Kind Heart Bench at the Foundation's headquarters in Sybrand Park. This new installation is far more than just a structure; it stands as a powerful symbol of kindness, connection, and emotional support. Located at 2 Dagbreek Street, the Kind Heart Bench is envisioned as a sacred space for reflection and togetherness. It serves as a vivid reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can create profound waves of change. 'The greatest impact often doesn't come from grand gestures, but from consistent compassion,' said A. Aishah, marketing and communications assistant at the Amy Foundation. 'This bench reminds us that one kind heart can spark a chain of change.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The project was made possible thanks to the generous contributions from Uthando SA, Gildedge Travel, and Bradley Bailey, creating a lasting gift designed to foster a sense of belonging and support for those in need. Its impact is already evident; a facilitator from the Foundation's After School Programme recently shared a moment of laughter with a student on the bench, showcasing the joy that kindness can inspire. Michelle Bagley, COO of the Amy Foundation, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, 'This is more than just a donation. It's a living symbol of generosity and a quiet invitation to pause, to connect, and to lead with kindness.' In alignment with its broader mental wellness objective, the bench features four plaques offering access to valuable mental health resources from organisations like SADAG and Hope House Counselling. This initiative underlines the shared mission of the Amy Foundation and Uthando to promote emotional well-being through innovative and accessible means.
