A governance dispute at the Zimbali Management Estate in KwaZulu-Natal has escalated into two separate high court battles linked to the estate’s controversial no-pets policy.

The policy, which bans cats and dogs due to the estate’s status as a protected conservancy, has become the centre of internal conflict within the estate’s management structures.At the heart of the dispute is Zema director Gaynor Arnold, who sought an urgent interdict to halt a board meeting called by chair Marc Dunlop.The meeting reportedly aimed to remove her from the board, while also potentially triggering a vote on Dunlop’s own removal.Arnold claims the attempt to oust her is driven by disagreements over governance issues, including Dunlop’s handling of the estate’s pet policy.Tensions escalated after legal opinion was obtained by a resident challenging the constitutionality of the no-pets rule.Dunlop later circulated a memo revoking the ban without prior board approval, which Arnold and other directors disputed, saying it was unauthorised.This led to further attempts to remove Dunlop, which were allegedly blocked or frustrated.Separately, a second legal challenge was brought by resident Ian Walker, who sought to stop a CSOS adjudication process relating to the same policy.He argued that the process was procedurally unfair and did not include affected parties or necessary documentation.The court ruled in his favour, ordering the process to restart with proper involvement of all stakeholders.

The disputes have highlighted deep divisions within estate governance, with allegations of misconduct, procedural irregularities, and breaches of fiduciary duty.

Dunlop maintains that his actions were in the best interests of homeowners, while critics argue there has been overreach and lack of proper consultation.The matter continues to unfold, with further hearings expected later in the year.