Demand for Stronger Baboon Management Measures - Betty's Bay

Petition addressed to: Betty's Bay residents

Petition to Overstrand Municipality: Demand for Stronger Baboon Management Measures
We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of the Overstrand region, hereby call upon the Municipality to adopt a more decisive and effective approach to baboon management.
Background:
The current situation has become untenable. Baboons are causing extensive damage to property, disrupting daily life, and threatening the safety and wellbeing of residents. Increasingly, they are not only raiding homes but also forcing entry into houses and vehicles, creating a direct physical threat to residents. Due to the current lack of effective action, the neighbourhood has become their primary food source, further encouraging aggressive and destructive behaviour. While we acknowledge the ecological importance of baboons, the balance between conservation and community protection has tipped dangerously out of alignment.
Our Demands:

Reintroduction of Paintball Markers for Baboon Monitors

• Paintball markers have historically proven to be an effective, non-lethal deterrent. Their removal has weakened the ability of monitors to manage baboon incursions.
• We demand their immediate reinstatement to empower monitors with practical tools to keep baboons at bay.

Confine Baboons to the Mountain Side

• The baboons must be actively discouraged from entering residential and urban areas.
• A clear and consistent management strategy should be implemented to ensure baboons remain in their natural habitat, minimizing human-wildlife conflict.

Conclusion:
We urge Overstrand Municipality to act swiftly and decisively. Failure to address this issue undermines public safety, damages property, and erodes trust in local governance. By reintroducing proven deterrents and enforcing stricter habitat boundaries, the Municipality can restore balance and protect both residents and wildlife. Unless significant and immediate action is taken, we will exercise our democratic right to vote for new leadership in the upcoming municipal election.
We demand action now.