City calls for responsible postering by political parties leading to 2024 elections

The CoE has issued guidelines all political parties need to follow when putting up posters ahead of the elections.

While contesting parties are exempted from tariffs/application fees with regards to the placement of posters as related to the upcoming elections all parties are expected to adhere to stipulated guidelines.

Political parties are urged to comply with several guidelines including the following for category five posters in terms of the City of Ekurhuleni billboards and the display of advertisements by-laws (2017):

• Posters shall be affixed to electrical light standards and affixed receptacles by using a suitable cord and no metal clamps or wire shall be used. They should not be affixed or nailed to trees, not be used to advertise a commercial event and also be affixed at least 50m away from an intersection.

• A maximum of three posters will be allowed per standard or per post, and a maximum of four posters will be allowed per standard or per post if situated on the road island or median, back to back.

• Recommended size for posters are maximum size are 0.9m x 0.6m (A1 size) and the clearance is recommended to be 2,4m (minimum height from ground).

“No individual or group is to tamper with any of the displayed material of another political party with regards to the elections, and no individual or group is to tamper with any of the city’s assets/ properties such as bridges, fencing, walls, buildings to display material related to elections,” said CoE speaker Zweli Mkhize.

Mkhize added that the city condemns such behaviour and any individual or group responsible for such will be reported to the IEC as well as SAPS for further action.

He added that the city requested contesting individuals and political parties to ensure that their election campaigns are flighted on billboards that are approved in line with the by-laws.

“In instances where the billboard is structured on council-owned property, the rental fee is paid to ensure rightful revenue towards the city as a result of the elections.

“In terms of the by-laws, no posters shall be displayed for longer than the period extending from the beginning of the date of proclamation in the Government Gazette of an upcoming referendum or election to the end of the fourteenth day after the date of such an election.

“Parties are urged to remove their posters and any other election-related material or illustrations by June 12 in all areas of the city,” he said.

Additionally, he said that any material not removed after June 12, will be removed by the city across all wards and the applicable political party will be charged a removal fee of R57.69 per poster, as prescribed by Schedule 19 of the city’s promulgated tariffs.

“The city shall not be liable for any loss, damage, storage, cost, claims, demands and/or any other liability from an individual or political party who had contested the elections, with regards to election-related material removed by the city.”

Queries from the northern and eastern regions may be directed to Lethabo.shebu@ekurhuleni.gov.za

Queries regarding the southern region can be directed to Susan.wilson@ekurhuleni.gov.za