The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBM-JTT) have confirmed that the distribution of the first batch of baboon-proof bins to the most affected communities in the Far South will commence later this month with the implementation of the northern boundary fence from Zwaanswyk to Constantia Nek.
First phase
By mid-September, the CPBM-JTT – comprising South African National Parks (SANParks), CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town – will launch the distribution of the first batch of 2 200 lockable baboon-proof bins of the 6 000, to the most affected communities in the Far South.
The areas that experience the most baboon activity and where the most human-baboon conflict has been recorded, are prioritised, and include: Plateau Road; Castle Rock; Heron Park; Murdoch Valley South; De Oude Weg; Da Gama; Capri; Welcome Glen; Scarborough; Tokai East and Fir Grove.
Simon’s Town is not included on the list for baboon-proof bins as the Seaforth and Waterfall troops will be relocated to the Urban Wildlife Centre, the City confirmed.
Each residence in the prioritised areas will receive a lockable baboon-proof bin.
The City says it will keep communities informed about when to expect the delivery of the baboon-proof bin that will be swopped with the old.
Boundary fence
The process to establish a northern boundary fence from Zwaanswyk in the south to Constantia Nek in the north to prevent baboons from accessing urban areas and farmland in the northern region will also start later this month, following the completion of the required environmental checklists and administrative approvals, the City added.
This fence will secure baboon habitat for 250 baboons in the north and act as a single baboon proof barrier. However, some animal activists are concerned for the wellbeing of the affected troops.
Previously, People’s Post reported that approximately 100 protesters gathered in Kogelfontein, Redhill Road near Scarborough opposing the caging of two baboon troops on Sunday 30 August and Sunday 6 September (“Protest against baboon caging”, People’s Post, 8 September).
Activist backlash
Earlier this year, People’s Post reported that the planning and development of the proposed sanctuary for two baboon troops in the Southern Peninsula was underway, the City confirmed (“Baboon sanctuary plan”, People’s Post, 20 January 2026).
Last year, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Action Plan for relocating the primates was approved by the City, South African National Parks (SANParks), and CapeNature.
The CPBM- JTT is responsible for developing and implementing a baboon management programme in the Cape Peninsula and comprises three authorities: CapeNature, SANParks and the City.
In January this year, the CPBMJTT confirmed that it has approved the intention to capture and relocate two baboon troops to a purpose-built sanctuary, said the City’s manager of coastal environmental management, Gregg Oelofse.
The City confirmed with People’s Post that the CPBMJTT will issue a joint statement to inform the public and affected communities about any new developments.
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