AS the 2026 Local Government Elections approach, the eThekwini Municipality has established regulations for displaying campaign posters.

These rules, approved by the council, are designed to foster a balanced election environment and ensure public spaces are managed responsibly, in line with existing municipal guidelines.

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A specific exemption to the 2018 eThekwini Municipality Outdoor Advertising Bylaw has been granted, exclusively for the Local Government Elections set for November 4, 2026.

Under these new conditions, political organisations and individual candidates can put up a maximum of 800 A1-sized posters within each ward during the election period. 

Spots to campaign 

The municipality has specified that these posters can only be placed on municipal light poles. Additionally, certain main roads have been designated for election advertising, including the Ruth First Highway/M4 Northern Freeway, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway/M4 Southern Freeway and Higginson Highway.

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Electoral candidates will also have the option to use flying banners at specific beach locations, but this is restricted to the three weeks immediately before election day.

The council has also given approval for election-themed wall murals, provided they meet municipal standards and obtain prior authorisation.

Must be pre-approved

All requests for election advertising must be submitted to the municipality’s General Advertising Branch for review and approval, ensuring adherence to the established conditions.

A refundable deposit of R200 per ward where posters are to be displayed is also required from political parties and candidates.

The municipality has issued a notice that all election-related advertisements must be removed within 30 days following the elections. Failure to comply will result in the municipality removing the materials and charging the responsible parties for the costs incurred.

This temporary exemption will be active only for the duration of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

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