Dutywa, Eastern Cape – Tensions escalated in Dutywa as residents of Zone 14 staged a demonstration over what they describe as unacceptable delays in the formalisation of their informal settlement. The action brought sections of the town to a halt, with demonstrators using rocks, debris and burning tyres to block key thoroughfares, resulting in significant traffic congestion.
At the heart of the protest is growing frustration with the Amathole District Municipality and the Department of Human Settlements. Community members allege that both institutions have failed to maintain momentum on a housing upgrade initiative that residents say has been left in limbo.
Siniko Mazinyo, a community leader representing Zone 14 residents, articulated the community’s concerns, noting that prolonged inaction has left families in precarious living conditions. “Our patience has run out,” Mazinyo said. “We have followed every protocol, yet the project remains stalled. We need immediate intervention to get this housing upgrade back on track.”
The demonstration underscores mounting pressure on local and provincial authorities to address service delivery backlogs. While the protest remained largely peaceful, the road closures disrupted commuter routes and drew attention from law enforcement monitoring the situation.
Officials have yet to release a detailed timeline for resuming work on the settlement upgrade. However, the protest has prompted renewed calls for transparent communication between government departments and affected communities.
Siniko Mazinyo emphasised that residents are seeking actionable commitments, not further promises. “We are not asking for anything beyond what was agreed upon,” Mazinyo stated. “We want the upgrade process to move forward, with clear milestones and accountability.”
As discussions continue between community representatives and municipal officials, residents say they will maintain pressure through lawful advocacy until tangible progress is made on the housing project.