The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has confirmed that law enforcement officials have been dispatched to Dutywa following a protest to highlight the lack of service delivery in the area.

Protesting residents are reportedly burning tyres and blocking traffic passing through the town, affecting motorists travelling on the N2 between Mthatha and East London.

Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose has urged drivers to exercise caution in the area.

Binqose says, “We are told at the crux of the protest is the demand for water, housing, and access roads. We are also looking at their demands, but our immediate challenge right now is to ensure that traffic is flowing again. As you know, that is a national road, and a lot depends on it, not only in the province but across the country.”

[TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS DUE TO STRIKE | MBHASHE LM]
Mbhashe Local Municipality community and motorists travelling along the N2 are advised of an ongoing protest by residents from informal settlements in Dutywa. We urge residents and motorists to avoid using force to pass through. pic.twitter.com/aImmAm2EQ4

— Amathole District Municipality EC (@Amathole_DM) January 28, 2025

Eastern Cape – #Protesting Dutywa pic.twitter.com/TinNyJJcKY

— SA NATIONAL TRAFFIC UPDATES (@lnnocent191535) January 28, 2025

Eastern Cape – #Protesting Dutywa pic.twitter.com/fiwGVUZXxU

— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) January 28, 2025

EC Dutywa town is completely closed due to the community protest action. pic.twitter.com/KJIx9qoMbw

— SA NATIONAL TRAFFIC UPDATES (@lnnocent191535) January 28, 2025

Eastern Cape – #Protesting at Dutywa pic.twitter.com/RLqsHUAKDi

— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) January 28, 2025