Cape Town was lashed by a weekend of relentless rain as a series of cold fronts swept across the city, triggering widespread flooding, road disruptions and hazardous conditions across several areas. Dunoon was among the hardest-hit communities, with residents waking up to flooded streets, waterlogged homes and extensive damage to vehicles after heavy overnight downpours.
Videos circulating on social media showed cars partially submerged and water rushing through residential areas, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Homes and streets underwater
Heavy rains caused stormwater systems to overflow, leaving large parts of Dunoon submerged under muddy water. In some areas, water levels rose rapidly, flooding homes and forcing residents to scramble to save belongings. One car was left almost completely under water, while debris floated through the streets as floodwaters surged.
Residents described scenes of devastation as they assessed the damage.
“The water came in so fast, we didn’t even have time to move everything,” said Nomsa Dlamini. “By the time we woke up, our floors were already covered. We’ve lost furniture, clothes — almost everything.”
One resident said his family was left stranded. “We tried to push the water out, but it just kept coming. My children were scared. We didn’t sleep at all.”
For others, the damage was even more severe. “Our shack is gone,” said Zanele Mniki. “Everything we had has been washed away. We don’t know where we are going to stay now. You work so hard to build something, and in one night it’s destroyed. It’s heartbreaking.”
No injuries had been reported at the time, but the extent of the damage across the area remains significant.
Major routes affected
Flooding was not limited to residential areas. Several key routes across the metro were affected, causing delays and dangerous driving conditions.
Reports indicated severe flooding at:
- Boy De Goede Circle, where water lapped over pavements
- Fairbridge Road and Short Street in Table View
- Malibongwe Drive near Dunoon, where water levels reached nearly bonnet height, leaving cars backed up.
At Table View Shopping Centre, access was disrupted after a section of paving was washed away, forcing traffic to be diverted. Motorists faced reduced visibility, slippery roads and standing water on major routes throughout the weekend.
Authorities urge caution
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had warned of an intense cold front system approaching the Western Cape, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and cold temperatures.
Rainfall between 30mm and 60mm was recorded in some areas, increasing the risk of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained communities.
Table View Neighbourhood Watch spokesperson Laura Outhet urged residents to exercise caution.
Reports of flooding continued throughout the weekend, with residents warned not to attempt crossing heavily flooded roads unless absolutely necessary.
Forecasts indicate that while weather conditions may begin to improve, residual flooding remains a risk as water levels take time to recede.
Infrastructure under pressure
Ward councillor Sue van der Linde said the heavy rainfall had highlighted ongoing pressure on the stormwater system. She noted that several roads were impacted and stressed the importance of maintaining proper use of drainage infrastructure.
“Illegal connections and misuse place enormous strain on infrastructure and contribute to flooding risks,” she said.
Van der Linde added the City is working to identify problem areas and improve resilience as the winter rainfall season continues.
A recent site visit to the Bayside Canal project showed steady progress, but challenges remain.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to remain alert, avoid flooded areas and report emergencies where necessary.
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