Community victory as controversial billboards removed near Steyn City School
Two billboards near Steyn City School have been removed after parents, residents, and community leaders raised concerns about inappropriate advertising being displayed close to an educational institution.
Two large billboards, opposite Steyn City School, have been removed following concerns raised by parents, the school, and local authorities about gambling and alcohol-related advertising being displayed in close proximity to the school.
The billboards, situated at the Cedar Road and Riverside Drive intersection, sparked debate after parents questioned whether such advertising was appropriate in an area frequented daily by learners from Grade 000 through to high school.
Read more: ‘Remove the billboard’
The concerns were further amplified by guidelines from the South African Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), which states that no billboard advertising an alcoholic beverage brand or product may be placed within 500m of schools, community centres, or places of worship.
On June 10, the day the billboards were removed, one of the property owners spoke to Fourways Review and acknowledged the concerns raised by parents and the community. “We’ll be taking it down, fixing the situation, and joining the Fourways community in making Fourways better. We understand the parents’ position, so we’ll be fixing it and making the situation right.”
Concerned parent Maj Saffari, who was among those who brought attention to the issue, welcomed the swift response. “We all appreciate the quick response of the landlord and the advertising companies. The two massive billboards were brought down immediately after the article was published.
“We ask all businesses in our community to consider their social impact first before profit. We all have certain obligations towards our community. Rules and conduct are freely available, so not obeying, or ignoring them, becomes a personal decision.”
Also read: Naked non-compliance in city billboard advert crackdown
Ward 96 councillor Rufas Maswazi also welcomed the removal of the billboards, thanking all those involved in addressing the matter. “I feel relieved and would like to extend our gratitude to the Johannesburg Property Company for acting swiftly after community members raised this issue.
“JPC served the property owner with notice and the billboard was removed”
He added that he hopes authorities will continue monitoring outdoor advertising across Johannesburg, particularly near schools and other places frequented by children.
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