After two tense days of protest last week, calm returned to the streets of Dunoon, local police reported. The City of Cape Town confirmed that no protest action had since been reported at key intersections such as Potsdam Road and Malibongwe Drive – a sign that the unrest, triggered by the demolition of structures in the Ezihagwini informal settlement, may be easing.
In the wake of the turmoil, which saw a delivery truck set alight and burning tyres block major roads, authorities and community members are now focusing on recovery. Public transport services, including MyCiTi buses and taxis that were forced to suspend operations last week, are cautiously resuming as cleanup efforts begin and roads are reopened.
Law enforcement remains on high alert. According to provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk, officers were deployed throughout Monday and Tuesday last week to monitor the protests and maintain public safety.
“Tyres were set alight, leading to road closures between Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road. No injuries were reported, and no criminal cases were opened,” he said.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Services also played a critical role. Seven firefighters from the Milnerton Fire Station responded to multiple blazes during the height of the protest. “They arrived shortly after 16:00 and extinguished several fires linked to the protest action,” said fire and rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
What caused the unrest?
At the heart of the unrest was the demolition of a partially built brick structure in Ezihagwini—reportedly intended for business use by a local resident. The City maintains that the structure was built illegally on a protected nature reserve, but community members say they were left with no choice as they seek more permanent, dignified housing.
“This is not just about bricks,” said resident Nomvula Makhubela, standing near the charred remains of a barricade. “It’s about trying to build something stable for our children. We weren’t given any other options.”
Another local, Lindokuhle Mthembu, echoed her frustration: “They gave us eviction notices, but where are we supposed to go? We’re not criminals — we’re just trying to survive.”
Ward councillor Thando Dedezana has spoken out against the demolitions, saying he believes the order came from the Mayor’s office. He said law enforcement left behind rubble and debris, noting that it adds to the ongoing challenge of maintaining cleanliness and order in the community.
Walls removed
According to City’s Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, the unrest followed the removal of three unlawfully constructed brick-and-mortar walls by the City on Monday 12 May.
“It is important to clarify that no structures were demolished, contrary to some reports. The walls in question were unoccupied and their removal was carried out in accordance with a final court order. These walls were identified by City officials, and the responsible individuals were issued with formal notices to remove them. They failed to comply with these notices. This site is subject to ongoing land invasion concerns, and any individual intending to build must obtain authorisation from the lawful landowner,” he told the newspaper.
He added that residents were consulted and informed of their unlawful actions, as well as their contravention of a high court order. Accordingly, they were served with compliance notices.
“The City can confirm law enforcement, traffic and metro police’s TRU have been deployed along with the City’s drone unit. I have also engaged senior management to request the deployment of additional static resources to the area, in conjunction with our ongoing N7 corridor operations. We strongly condemn any violent protest in response to lawful actions taken by City staff in the protection of municipal property.”
Motorist fearful
The ongoing protests in Dunoon have left many motorists on edge, with frequent road blockages, burning tyres, and unrest turning daily commutes into a source of anxiety. While the community continues to voice its frustrations over housing and service delivery issues, those passing through the area have found themselves caught in the crossfire. Incidents of stone-throwing and even smash-and-grab attacks have been reported, further heightening fears.
“We used to take Malibongwe Drive every day, but now we avoid it completely,” said Jason Meyer, a delivery driver from Table View. “After one of our vans was hit with a rock last month, we don’t take any chances.”
Thandiwe Ndlovu, a nurse who travels from Parklands, shared a similar concern: “I’ve had my car window smashed before while stuck in traffic during a protest. Now, even when things are calm, I still feel unsafe driving through that area.”
Motorists say the uncertainty has disrupted their routines and forced them to seek longer, alternative routes. “It’s not just the delays anymore,” added Reyno van Wyk, a local commuter. “It’s the fear of not knowing what you’ll drive into—it feels like a gamble every time.”
Despite the return of calm this week, the lingering fear among drivers is a reminder of how deeply the unrest has affected both residents and those simply passing through.
“There is anger, yes,” said community organizer Zanele Qwabe, “but there is also a desire for peace and progress. We need the City to come to the table—not just with police, but with solutions.”
