The City of Johannesburg has called on political parties and independent candidates to remove their election campaign posters across the metro or face fines of R500 per poster. In a media release issued on Monday, 9 November, the City reminded parties that they are legally required to clear all campaign materials within 14 days after the conclusion of an election or voter registration period.
The requirement is governed by Section 28 of the City of Johannesburg Outdoor Advertising By-laws (2009). The City warned that municipal teams will remove posters left behind after the prescribed period. Parties will first receive a formal notice specifying a timeframe within which to remove the materials.
Should they fail to comply with the final notice, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) By-law Unit will remove and collect the posters. The responsible political party will then be charged a prescribed penalty fee of R500 per poster to recover the removal costs.
The City said campaign materials left in public spaces contribute to littering, make the metro unsightly, compromise road safety and deface municipal infrastructure. Political parties and independent candidates have been urged to take responsibility for cleaning up public spaces used during their election campaigns.
For media enquiries: JMPD spokesperson, Mr Xolani Fihla, on 082 467 9490.
