The killing of Scarface, one of the three adult male baboons in the Betty’s Bay troop, by Overstrand Municipality (OM) and Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) on 18 September 2021 has been a catalyst for action in the three villages along the R44 in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
For the first time Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels residents stand united to confront what we can no longer ignore: the cruelty and unnecessary use of force against and the killing of the Chacma baboons indigenous to this area. This is occurring directly, as in the case of Scarface of Betty’s Bay and Santana of Pringle Bay and indirectly, as in the case of the numerous members of the Pringle Bay troop who are malnourished and emaciated after HWS had driven them to an area where even they admit to there being a lack of winter forage.
In response to the current outrage, frustration and sadness at the wanton destruction of our wildlife and disruption of our sensitive ecosystems, Together4Change was formed through an interim steering committee agreed on. A committee will be elected through a democratic process as soon as possible.
Together4Change represents those residents of Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels who oppose the aggressive management style imposed by HWS, the killing of baboons for “management purposes” when viable, non-lethal alternatives exist, and the indirect destruction of baboons through measures that result in visible malnutrition and increased risk of death.
Together4Change operates in partnership with existing baboon advocacy groups, although its work is focused on effecting change specifically in the Kleinmond to Hangklip municipal area. Together4Change supports humane approaches to reducing negative interactions between humans and baboons and promotes our Constitutional Right to protect and preserve the environment, for this generation and those to come.
Together4Change and its many supporters are cognisant that we live in the transition zone of a UNESCO-declared biosphere reserve known internationally for its rich biodiversity and pristine fynbos. As such, it is incumbent upon us, as residents or visitors, to act with the greatest care in matters relating to the natural environment, whether or not it is convenient.
Baboons play an important role in the ecosystem of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, including the transition zone. Baboons assist with seed dispersal and thus contribute to the preservation of threatened or endangered plant species. In the Kogelberg, Chacma baboons have co-evolved with our unique fynbos biome and are integral to the delicate ecosystem of this biosphere. Further, they are primates with whom we share 97% of our DNA, and it has been proven that they are sentient beings capable of learning, thought and emotion. The killing, cruelty and unnecessary force applied to our indigenous Chacma baboons by HWS, contracted by OM, cannot be tolerated.
As Together4Change, we seek to build bridges, create awareness, provide opportunities for education, and develop appreciation for the environment we are privileged to share. Above all, we seek to ensure that the Chacma baboons of Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels are managed in a humane and sustainable manner, one that will allow both us and the generations to come to enjoy their presence.
A kick-off demonstration to express our outrage at the killing of Scarface and the inhumane management of our baboon population is planned for Pringle Bay on 1 and 2 October 2021. The demonstration on 1 October will take place from 16:30 to 18:00 at the entrance to Pringle Bay. The demonstration on 2 October will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 in the Pringle Bay CBD.
For further information or to confirm your attendance at either demonstration, please contact the organiser at 076 563 0960.
For further information about Together4Change in Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Rooiels, please contact Murray McGregor at 063 718 5707.
For further information about the baboon troops in Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Rooiels, or for media enquiries related to baboon management in these three areas, please contact Pete Oxford at email pete@peteoxford.com.
Media and communications: Contact Wilna at
072 265 8816.
