Why is Du Noon known for violent protests? Du Noon is a sprawling township in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The first plot of land for Du Noon was surveyed in 1996. Formal housing was built there. Shacks also developed rapidly.
Let me tell you more about Du Noon. It is near the Killarney Motor Racing Complex. Joe Slovo Park is its neighboring counterpart. Interestingly, Du Noon does not have its own police station. The nearest one is in Table View.
In 2011, the population of Du Noon was over 31000. There were almost 11500 households. Minibus taxis are the main transport. The MyCiTi bus service opened a station in 2014. It serves Du Noon.
Across Potsdam Road is Site 5. It is an informal settlement of shacks. Sadly, Du Noon has been known for violent, xenophobic demonstrations. These protests target foreign residents.
But there’s more to Du Noon than just that. The township has three primary schools. There is also one high school. These are Dunoon Primary School, Sophakama Primary, Silverleaf Primary, and Inkwenkwezi High School.
Since 2016, the City of Cape Town has operated a day hospital here. A temporary clinic provides primary healthcare services. These include reproductive health, HIV testing, and TB treatment. They also offer anti-retroviral treatment.
The City of Cape Town plans for Du Noon’s development. They address pedestrian safety on the N7 road. They have removed toilets and water standpipes from the road reserve. Fences discourage people from entering the N7 road reserve.
No footbridges are planned. People usually take the shortest route regardless of safety. An alternative involves lifting the N7 by about 2 meters. This would allow street links at ground level.
Upgrading an existing agricultural underpass offers another safe crossing. This requires relocating houses. It also means removing people living in the underpass.
In 2019, the South African National Defence Force was deployed to Dunoon. This followed violent protests led by taxi operators. The protests were about transport routes and fines. The army and police conducted a search.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Cape Human Settlements Department discussed de-densifying Dunoon. The plan aimed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The government provided temporary accommodation for 10000 residents.
In June 2020, Cape Town experienced arson attacks. These targeted MyCiTi bus infrastructure in Milnerton and Du Noon. Two MyCiTi buses were destroyed. The Omuramba station was also set on fire.
The unrest was linked to a lack of service delivery. Contentious land grabs also fueled the unrest. A ward councillor spoke out against a criminal syndicate. The syndicate allegedly sold plots of land. The councillor’s office was attacked with petrol bombs.
Councillor Lubabalo Makeleni said the arsonists also burned drugs. He wanted to find out where they wanted to put up shacks. Police confirmed the violence and arson due to housing disputes.
So, next time you hear about Dunoon, remember its history. It is a place with challenges. It is also a community striving for a better future.