Joburg Property Company (JPC) has intensified its citywide crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising, continuing with targeted enforcement operations along major routes, including the M1 North near Midrand on February 3.
The operation focused on signs illegally connected to City Power infrastructure, structures erected without approval, and billboards placed on public land without required authorisations. The multidisciplinary team included JPC, Development Planning, JMPD, City Power, and the Johannesburg Roads Agency.
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JPC CEO Musah Makhunga said what was concerning was that these illegal signs often belonged to large companies and big brands.
“Today [February 3], we are on the M1 North in Midrand continuing with our revenue enhancement and by-law enforcement operation. We are targeting areas where signs have been illegally erected, and we will continue removing them until full compliance is achieved,“ said Makunga.
He added that the operations were intended to ensure the city collects the revenue owed to support essential service delivery. “We urge brands to check the compliance documents of media owners before purchasing advertising space. When signs are illegal, the removals affect the brands as well. We aim to protect public safety, reduce visual clutter, and ensure adherence to by-laws.”
The operation, which started last year in December, saw JPC remove up to 50 illegal advertisements that used public land without paying the city and without following proper approval processes.
“We are committed to ensuring full compliance with city by-laws and protecting Johannesburg’s interests. The outdoor advertising industry must work with the city, follow proper processes, and ensure that all signage erected within Johannesburg is fully compliant.”. The executive director for Development Planning, Eric Raboshakga, said the message was clear: illegal signs will be removed, and compliance is non-negotiable.
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“Many of the signs we removed today were illegally connected to City Power infrastructure and erected without structural approval. Before putting up any sign, owners must apply through development planning, obtain consent from JPC for public land, submit engineering drawings, and meet all safety requirements,” said Raboshakga.
“These regulations exist for a reason. A poorly installed sign can collapse or distract drivers, posing serious safety risks. Where owners ignore city notices, we remove the signs and may impose penalties of up to 12 times the standard rates.”
The city emphasised that illegal advertising structures undermined public safety and deprived Johannesburg of much-needed revenue. JPC’s revenue-sharing model supports critical infrastructure and service delivery across the city.
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