Calm has seemingly returned to Du Noon on Wednesday, as the City of Cape Town noted that no protesters were on the scene of Potsdam Road and Malibongwe Drive as of 08:28. This follows two days of unrest sparked by the demolition of brick walls in the Ezihagwini informal settlement.
Protests erupted on Monday and Tuesday, with angry locals having blocked Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road with burning tyres, preventing the movement of traffic around the township.
Update Road Closure due to Protesting on Malibongwe Dr between N7 and Rivergate, both direction affected,
use alternate route.#WCLiveTraffic #WCLiveZello #Bosbeer2006 #BokRadio #LimaCharlie1 #TaurusMedical— WC Live Traffic & Safety Reports (@WCLiveTraffic) May 13, 2025
On Monday evening, a delivery truck was set alight and stones were hurled at passing vehicles. Public transport, including MyCiTi buses and taxis, was forced to halt services.
This reportedly comes as residents attempt to replace informal structures with more permanent brick-and-mortar homes. One such structure, consisting of three constructed brick walls, was demolished by the City of Cape Town. This is believed to have triggered protest action.
While residents claim the walls formed part of a house in which people lived, the City maintains that the demolished walls were unoccupied and illegal.
“The walls were identified by city officials and the owners were served notices remove the walls, but they failed to comply. This is a land invasion site and any person intending to build should be authorised by the landowner,” said Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for City Law Enforcement.
Dyason further claims that the owner of the walls did not submit building plans for approval, in accordance with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards (or NBR) Act.
“Three walls that were built unlawfully with brick and mortar were demolished. The ‘walls’ were not occupied and the action was carried out in terms of a final court order,” Dyason explained.
According to Dyason, notices were served to the owners of the walls, but they failed to comply.
“The residents were consulted and informed about their unlawful conduct and their contravention of the high court order, hence they were issued with compliance notices.”
He further denied claims that other structures have been destroyed.
“There is no truth to rumours that more structures are going to be demolished. However, if new structures are being built illegally, they will be removed,” said Dyason.
Law enforcement was still on the scene where prior protest action occurred to monitor the area.
