Here's why:
* The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004: This act prohibits the keeping of chimpanzees as pets. The act recognizes chimpanzees as a critically endangered species, and their possession or trade is strictly controlled.
* The Animal Protection Act of 1962: This law provides protection against cruelty to animals, and owning a chimpanzee as a pet would be considered unethical and potentially harmful to the animal's well-being.
* Ethical Concerns: Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and social animals. Keeping them in captivity as pets can cause severe psychological and physical harm, as they cannot meet their complex social and cognitive needs in a domestic setting.
Note: While it's illegal to own a chimpanzee, there are licensed sanctuaries in South Africa that provide a safe and suitable environment for rescued or confiscated chimpanzees.