The poster child for outdoor advertising
Send an email to bheki.thusi@newcastle.gov.za for more details.
The liaison person for Outdoor Advertising is 32-year-old Bheki Thusi.
A Technical Town Planner by trade, he has eight years of experience and is trained to deal with any matter relating to building and space usage, including outdoor advertising.
This he believes, is why he was selected for the position.
To explain what is encompassed by the term ‘outdoor advertising’, Thusi said in general, it included any signage which is visible to the public.
“It is our responsibility to control these, from big signboards to mobile trailers, estate agency boards and wall signage.”
Thusi added that in Newcastle’s history, there were many instances of illegal signage being placed on municipal land and property.
Now the municipality sought to correct the past by removing these illegal signs. Thusi believes the current policy states Newcastle Municipality can presume a person is aware of the bylaws, as they were published and gazetted.
“We want to make Newcastle clean, because the aesthetics of the town are degraded by these boards and posters. We have to protect the safety of the public [in the case of distracting or obscuring placement] and combine with our architecture.”
The municipality is currently removing illegal advertising boards across Newcastle, and is currently focusing on Allen Street and the CBD.
Thusi said a fine book was also being procured.
It is not all bad news however, with the municipality seeking to erect formal structures which businesses can pay to advertise on.
This will provide a singular space for this purpose.
Newcastle Municipality has also begun issuing compliance letters to those defying the bylaws, instructing the removal of illegal advertising or face the consequences.
“We are not responsible for damages if the owner of the advertising does not comply.”
Thusi has urged transgressors to remove their advertising and signage before the municipality begins its efforts in earnest.
Send an email to bheki.thusi@newcastle.gov.za for more details.
“After removing the signage, the transgressor may pay a fine of R6 440,” he concluded.
ALSO READ: MUST READ: Getting the message of outdoor advertising
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