Purpose of Hermanus Baboon Action Group

HBAG’s Goals and Objectives

The Association is a non-profit organisation established with the following goal and public benefit objectives:

GOAL – Limit baboon habituation to ensure a clean, safe and secure environment for humans and baboons.

OBJECTIVES:

  • Raise awareness regarding co-existence and related community responsibility and tolerance of baboons.
  • Hold relevant authorities to account for continued baboon management, waste and related bylaw management and baboon awareness campaigns.  This will include alerting authorities to irregularities related to baboon management, and treatment.
  • Liaison between Overstrand Municipality, the service provider and residents of baboon affected areas within Hermanus East.
  • To support and encourage research and interventions enabling the safe humane management of baboons within our area.

 

Stay Informed
 
Join your local WhatsApp Baboon alert groups to remain informed of the troop movements, and to help keep your neighbours informed.
Hermanus Heights:  Russel Schierhout 082 2112 527
Kwaaiwater: Carine De Clerk 082 773 7937
Fernkloof: Errol van Staden 083 637 0700
Voelklip: Doug Taylor 072 872 6271
 
Please look at our Warnings and Tips tab for more info.
 
Overstrand Communication 25 March 2025: Progress on Baboon Management in Hermanus
 
Late in 2024, the Western Cape Government and CapeNature approved an extension of the Overstrand Municipality’s baboon management programme. All interested and affected parties now have until June 2025 to reach an agreement on certain key issues, such as funding and the delegation of responsibilities, in order to develop a strategy that will guide the programme from July 2025 onwards.
 
An interim plan has been in place since the last week in January 2025, utilising Fernkloof rangers and law enforcement personnel to manage the Hermanus baboon troops (mostly the Voëlklip troop).
 
To move the troop out of the neighbourhood, air-shots from paintball markers, and audible primers have been used. In addition, loud bangers (when the fire safety index allows) are used along the edge of town to move the troop up the mountain and prevent / block them from entering town. Note that permission to use paintballs with paintball markers as a deterrent, is subject not only to obtaining the necessary permits from CapeNature but also to the proviso that all personnel must first undergo thorough training in CapeNature’s standard operating procedures in order to implement these techniques safely and correctly.
 
The municipality has been working diligently on this extension plan, which includes training staff, procuring equipment, and securing the necessary permits to maintain the baboon management programme in the eastern region until the end of June 2025.
 
The plan aims to replicate the staffing, tools, and adaptive management strategies used in Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay (western region).
 
This three-month extension plan for Hermanus will be implemented in phases as permits and equipment become available, and as personnel are appointed and trained. The municipality plans to begin phasing in the extension plan by the first or second week of April 2025, with the aim of gradually replacing the interim team in the field.
 
Meanwhile, the municipality appeals to all residents to continue making use of their respective local WhatsApp groups to provide regular updates on the whereabouts of the baboon troops. Residents contributions are invaluable in alerting households to the potential presence of baboons and enabling them to take necessary precautions in a timely manner. Residents are also encouraged to report sightings to the Baboon Hotline at 069 151 5962.
 
Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill