The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that no approval was granted for any billboard or outdoor advertising structure at Innesfree Park, following concerns about an attempted installation at the site.

A city spokesperson confirmed that the city was aware of the attempted illegal installation and had taken action. “The city is aware of the illegal installation and comprehensively addressed the issue, which included on-the-ground investigations. Intensive planning and arrangements by the relevant city body have been made for the removal of the structure this week.” An internal investigation has also been conducted.

Addressing allegations that former officials may have been involved, the spokesperson said officials who carried out ground investigations engaged with a former employee, who indicated he was communicating with the city on behalf of the company that was trying to install the billboard.

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“Importantly,” said the city spokesperson, “the investigation confirmed that no authorisation had been granted for the installation, nor did Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo have any prior knowledge of the attempted illegal structure.”

The city clarified that the regulation of outdoor advertising falls under the department of development planning, which serves as the regulatory authority. A detailed response on broader enforcement measures is expected from the department.

Residents who wish to verify whether a billboard has been properly authorised are encouraged to contact the department directly. The department is responsible for processing and issuing all outdoor advertising approvals and can confirm whether a structure has been legally processed.

We sent a query to the department of development planning and will publish their reply as soon as we receive it.

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