Living as one with nature requires discipline, a love for nature and cooperation with authorities.
The recent baboon problems in Kommetjie have provoked a lot of reaction where the Cape of Good Hope SPCA expressed its strongest condemnation following an attack on a local baboon troop early in August. “This aggressive and unlawful act saw residents wielding sticks and using pepper spray against the baboons as they neared the town to roost, causing significant distress and harm to the animals,” they stated.
With the baboons who have returned to Kleinmond for their annual winter “holiday”, a customary visit lasting a few weeks during this time of year, the Overstrand Municipality asks the residents to give their cooperation regarding this issue.
“Waste is a significant attractant for baboons, and we must all work together towards effective baboon management by ensuring refuse is optimally managed,” the municipal manager, Dean O’Neill, says.
The OM shares the following tips with the community:. Please avoid leaving black bags unattended on pavements in Kleinmond during this time and make sure your bin is secure to prevent access by baboons.. If you do not have such a container, please deliver your waste directly to the Transfer Station instead of leaving it on the pavement for collection by the waste teams.. Wheelie bins must be secured with baboon proof locking devices in all areas that the Municipality has identified as problem animal areas. “Overstrand’s dedicated Eco-monitors will also diligently patrol the area to alert Kleinmond residents about the presence of baboons in the town using the early warning system (vuvuzelas). Residents are advised to heed the early warning system and promptly close doors and windows to prevent unwanted encounters,” O’ Neill said. “If you are renting out your property over weekends, please ensure to inform your tenants about how household waste should be managed.”
The declared problem animal areas are Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Rooiels, Pringle Bay, Onrus, Voëlklip, Fernkloof (including the Golf Estate), Hermanus Heights, Eastcliff and Kwaaiwater.
