A simple coat of red paint doesn’t usually stop traffic.

But in Bryanston, it’s sparked chaos, memes, a flood of phone calls and a big fat question mark worth R50 000.

As Good Things Guy first reported, what was once an unremarkable wall on the corner of Grosvenor and Bryanston drives is now impossible to miss.

It’s fire truck red and screams R50 000 reward in massive letters. Beneath that, a cryptic line, ‘Help find and paint…’ but no one seems to know exactly what you’re supposed to find or paint.

Also read: Another Bryanston billboard slammed as dangerous

Naturally, Joburg’s detectives and its meme-makers have jumped in with both feet.

Some reckon it’s guerrilla marketing for a new local business trying to get people talking, maybe a mission accomplished. Others think it’s an anonymous street artist pulling the ultimate prank on a city that loves a mystery almost as much as it loves cash. Locals have been pulling over to snap photos, share wild theories online, and ask the big question: Is this even legal?

Ward 104 councillor Marialett Emi Koekemoer joined the fun on Facebook.

According to her, the stunt might not have any official approval, something Joburg’s by-laws require for advertising in public spaces.

Also read: JMPD halts controversial Bryanston billboard

She said, “Horrible marketing strategy, wink wink nudge nudge, but next time at least heads up your ward councillor so her whole weekend isn’t disturbed by floods of calls.”

So far, no one’s come forward to claim the stunt.

There’s no number to call, a website link, that doesn’t give much information. Just a wall that’s turned a dull intersection into Bryanston’s most colourful guessing game.

Also read: Bryanston billboard sparks controversy over illegal installation

One thing’s certain: in a city where walls usually fade into the background, Bryanston’s big red wall is impossible to ignore, and the R50 000 mystery might be the best or worst treasure hunt Joburg’s ever seen.

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