Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy has once again stepped in to prevent the construction of an illegal billboard along Witkoppen Road, highlighting growing concerns over safety and adherence to city regulations.

Speaking on-site, Reddy explained that contractors had arrived to install a pylon on a base that had been illegally constructed. “Gauteng province issued a demolition order, but because it wasn’t carried out in time, the contractors have come to site [to proceed with their work].”

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Reddy noted that the installation posed serious safety risks. “There is an electricity line, and this billboard was going to sit underneath it. This is extremely dangerous, especially as the pylon is very close to the road.”

Reddy confirmed that he had immediately contacted Gauteng province, as well as the City of Johannesburg’s Region 8 Crum and metro police to intervene. “The Gauteng provincial regional manager has assured me a team will be sent out to address the situation, and I’m hoping we are able to stop this.”

This incident marks the third illegal billboard construction that Reddy has stopped in recent weeks. He said the last one was removed by Gauteng province just last week, and he hopes a similar action will take place this time.

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“Illegal billboards like these are not only a violation of city and provincial regulations; they pose serious risks to motorists, pedestrians, and residents. We need to stop all these from happening in the city.”

Reddy’s proactive stance underscores ongoing concerns over illegal signage and the importance of timely enforcement of demolition orders to protect public safety in Johannesburg.

The City of Johannesburg spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane, confirmed that the advert was indeed illegal.

“Provincial officials have reportedly indicated that no new billboard approvals have been issued for major roads [in the area]. We currently do not have records of an application or approval.”

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