Heather Hart, Ward 18 councillor and the DA Ekurhuleni spokesperson on City Planning, has raised concerns about the proliferation of illegal outdoor advertising billboards throughout the City of Ekurhuleni, especially along major traffic routes.

She stated that these billboards are in direct violation of municipal bylaws, resulting in the city losing revenue that could be reinvested in much-needed service delivery and the hiring of additional outdoor advertising inspectors.

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“Meanwhile, unscrupulous outdoor advertising companies are profiting from illegal billboards, and the ANC-EFF-ActionSA coalition administration has failed to implement the revised set of by-laws that would allow for punitive fines,” said Hart.

She emphasised that the introduction of such penalties would generate substantial revenue for the municipality.

Hart said that, in efforts to curb this issue, the DA has consistently called for appropriate staffing of the outdoor advertising department, yet the City has reportedly ignored the proposals.

“It is frustrating to witness Ekurhuleni sink further into mismanagement and dysfunction when solutions are readily available.

“This is yet another example of how the ANC-led coalition continues to fail residents and the integrity of our built environment,” said Hart.

She said the DA demands that MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate, Clr Nomadlozi Nkosi, stop ignoring this issue and take swift action to curb illegal outdoor advertising.

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We also ask the MMC to prioritise hiring outdoor advertising inspectors.

“Ekurhuleni residents deserve a City that is clean, organised and economically viable.”

A request for comment was sent to the CoE on December 18, 2025, requesting comment by January 2.

At the time of going to print, no comment was received.