PRINGLE BAY BABOON MANAGEMENT AN URGENT REQUEST FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Further to the letter of the 26th August 2023 Cullinan and Associates confirmed in a new communication on Monday the 28th of August 2023, that they are also acting for the Kogelberg Villages Environmental Trustees, Pringle Bay Rewilding, Pringle Bay Conservation Group and the Betty’s Bay Baboon Action Group.

Public Participation means, an open fair and accountable process through which individuals and groups within selected communities can exchange views and influence decision making. It is further defined as a democratic process of engaging people, deciding, planning and playing an active part in the development and operation of services that affect their lives.

According to the Overstrand Municipality Participation Policy published in August 2016, the objectives of such a policy are to promote the values of good governance and human rights and to establish appropriate mechanisms, processes for public participation in municipal affairs. Furthermore, the objectives of the Overstrand Municipality is to acknowledge the fundamental right of all people to participate in the governance system and to promote direct and indirect platforms of participation and to provide clear sufficient and timeous information concerning community participation to communities.

According to the content of the letter addressed to the Mayor and Municipal Manager of the Overstrand Municipality, Cullinan and Associates are of the opinion that the decision making process with regard to baboon management in the Overstrand Municipality needs to be more transparent and must allow for interested and affected parties to put forward their points of view.

Furthermore, it is urgently requested that the Overstrand Municipality arranges an open meeting for all residents in order that an agreed upon, open and transparent process for baboon management decision making can be established.

Image Credit: Jenny Parsons

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