City cracks down on illegal signage

City officials recently stopped an attempt by a media company to erect an illegal advertising board along Winnie Mandela Drive near Leslie Avenue in the Sandton/Fourways suburbs. The company attempted to instal the massive signage without proper permission.

City officials, Ward 94 councillor David Foley, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, and Gauteng Province officials stopped the installation. The service provider produced an advisory note, which was not valid permission.

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Foley praised the community’s role in reporting suspicious activity, enabling swift action. He noted that busy roads with high visibility are often targeted for illegal signage.

“Our community groups, which consist of around 10 000 vigilant members, play a crucial role in this effort. As soon as someone spots activity on the side of the road that appears suspicious, they alert me as the Ward 94 councillor, immediately. This quick communication network ensures that we can act swiftly to address any potential violations,” said Foley.

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development Planning councillor Eunice Mgcina commended the actions of city and provincial officials to avert the illegal erection of the advertising signage.

“I wish to applaud the timely intervention of our officials who acted speedily to save the city millions of rand that would have been lost through this illegal act. Had we not acted timely, we would have also had to hire a demolition company to remove the structure – this at a huge cost to the city. So, I applaud our officials for being alert and for their speedy reaction.

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“A couple of months ago, I had promised that as the city we would leave no stone unturned in dealing with advertisers who ignore our by-laws and put up illegal advertising structures – and we continue to do so on an ongoing basis,” said MMC Mgcina.

The city has established systems to expedite outdoor advertising applications and works closely with stakeholders to maintain law and order and collect revenue. Mgcina warned that the city will not tolerate lawlessness and will take action against companies that ignore by-laws. “Our message to all advertising entities across the city is clear: comply or we will come after you.”

The city therefore calls upon brand owners or advertisers and their advertising agencies to contact the city to confirm the legality of any advertising sign before concluding any media contracts and/ or to desist from the illegal erection of advertising signs and billboards.

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