Demolitions near East London Airport: BCM, ARC, and EFF React

Key Points

• Buffalo City Metro (BCM) denies involvement or authorisation of recent demolitions near East London Airport.
• Two informal settlements, Bompini and Julius Malema settlement, faced demolition of homes including newly built houses and informal structures.
• Demolitions reportedly conducted by security personnel and machinery hired by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
• Demolished properties included private clinics, small apartments, flats, family homes, and informal shelters.
• Dozens more homes scheduled for demolition with operations continuing amidst community protests.
• BCM states engagement with national entities and landowners to ensure lawful and dignified treatment of affected residents.
• Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial leadership, BCM officials, and the Provincial Legislature intended to visit the site but demolitions proceeded.
• EFF condemns demolitions as deeply inhumane and targeting poor communities.
• Some residents claim original allocation of land by ARC in the 1950s, with settlements expanding in later years.
• Protests erupted on Tuesday, but police and traffic officers cleared roads for demolition vehicles and security forces.
• BCM maintains focus on sustainable housing planning especially concerning land owned by external or national bodies and urges legal compliance.

What happened near East London Airport involving demolitions?

As reported by Nompumelelo Zungu of Daily Dispatch, on Tuesday morning, several informal settlements near East London Airport, namely Bompini and the Julius Malema settlement, were subjected to demolitions. The operation saw the destruction of a mix of newly built houses, longstanding homes, and informal structures. Among the demolished were private clinics, small apartment blocks, flats, and many family homes.

The demolition process was carried out by security personnel alongside heavy machinery. Media reports attribute that these operatives were hired by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), a national body responsible for agricultural research and land management.

Residents described the scene with disbelief as they watched their homes coming down. According to GroundUp News journalist Sipho Nkosi, many residents expressed frustration saying there was no official intervention or support for the people affected by the demolitions.

Who is responsible for the demolitions near East London Airport?

The Buffalo City Metro (BCM) has officially distanced itself from the demolitions. As reported by Zodwa Mkhize of Eyewitness News, the municipality clarified that it was not involved in the operation and had not given any authorisation for evictions or demolitions in the area.

The BCM spokesperson was quoted stating,

“We are not the controlling authority for these demolitions. The Municipality is engaging with national entities and landowners to ensure the residents affected are treated lawfully and with dignity.”

The Agricultural Research Council is implicated in employing the security forces and equipment used. The exact legal basis or court orders, if any, authorising the demolitions have not been publicly confirmed by ARC representatives.

Why are the homes near East London Airport being demolished?

The precise reason behind these demolitions was not explicitly stated by involved parties in initial reports. However, multiple sources such as the Herald Live suggest that the land may be under the ownership or control of ARC, which could be undertaking efforts to reclaim or repurpose the land.

Residents claim, as shared with GroundUp News, that some families were originally allocated parcels on this land by ARC in the 1950s. Over time, the settlements have grown informally, extending onto neighbouring properties.

The BCM emphasises that sustainable human settlement planning is a priority, especially on land owned by national or external entities, hinting that these demolitions could form part of broader land management or redevelopment efforts.

How have residents and political groups reacted to the demolitions?

Community members strongly opposed the demolitions. Early on Tuesday, protests erupted in an effort to halt the destruction, as documented by Eyewitness News reporter Lindiwe Mbanjwa. However, police and traffic officers cleared roads to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery and security personnel.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been vocal in their criticism. As reported by Nomsa Dlamini of Eyewitness News, the EFF’s provincial leadership described the demolitions as a “deeply inhumane move against poor communities.” The party condemned what they see as an aggressive eviction tactic against vulnerable people.

Although the EFF, the Buffalo City Metro, and members of the Provincial Legislature were scheduled to visit the site to assess and engage with affected residents on Wednesday morning, the demolition activities reportedly continued despite their presence.

What is the Buffalo City Metro’s response and next steps?

The BCM has reiterated its stance that it did not authorise the demolitions but recognises the need for lawful and humane processes. Its statement to Daily Dispatch emphasises ongoing communication with national authorities and landowners to safeguard residents’ rights during this difficult period.

The municipality commits to monitoring the situation and urges all parties involved to comply strictly with legal frameworks. It also indicates its focus remains on sustainable human settlement policies, particularly in managing areas owned by external bodies such as ARC.

What does the future look like for affected residents near East London Airport?

With dozens more homes reportedly slated for demolition, the future remains uncertain for the residents of Bompini and the Julius Malema settlements. The continuation of demolitions amid community protests and political concern has heightened tensions.

The BCM’s engagement with national bodies and calls for lawful treatment offer some hope for mediation, but without clear public communication on alternative housing or relocation plans, affected families face significant hardship.