Baboons invade Bulawayo

A Bulawayo environmental group One Planet Trust has launched a tree-planting initiative in Pumula suburb aimed at tackling a growing baboon invasion that has left residents fearful and counting property losses.

The organisation observed that large numbers of trees were felled by contractors during housing developments, creating a habitat void that has driven baboons into residential areas. The animals have been ransacking homes for food, damaging solar panels, and frightening children from playing outdoors.

In an interview, director Simelweyinkosi Masuku said the planting of fruit and indigenous trees in designated buffer zones would help restore ecological balance and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

The initiative saw 150 indigenous and citrus trees donated to residents in Pumula South and Emthunzini, areas heavily affected by the baboon menace.

"This is a new location built by Hawkflight Construction Company. In undertaking projects of this scale, many trees are cut down," Masuku said. "Therefore, we will be planting 50 indigenous fruit trees in a bushy area in Pumula South as a way of deterring baboons from straying into residents' homes on Sunday."

Masuku added that the trust plans to partner with the City of Bulawayo to launch programmes such as the proposed "Visit Bulawayo and Plant a Tree" campaign, which is currently in the concept phase.

The organisation is also leasing 1.7 hectares of land in North End to establish a tree nursery. While the site has a borehole, it currently lacks a pumping system and fencing. Masuku appealed to well-wishers and corporate partners to assist with the necessary infrastructure.

The nursery will double as a learning centre for Bulawayo children, teaching learners aged eight and above how to plant and care for trees while learning about environmental conservation and sustainable practices.