Ekurhuleni to crack down on illegal outdoor advertising

Revenue collection from the utilisation of outdoor advertising billboards, particularly those erected on municipal land, has been identified by the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) as a matter that requires urgent attention.

The municipality is conducting a zero-tolerance operation Thuntšha Lerole (shoot the dust) to address illegal outdoor advertising.

According to a statement issued by the office of Kgopolo Hollo, MMC of Infrastructure Services and Real Estate, revenue through outdoor advertising applications or outdoor advertising rentals to the city is unlawfully withheld.

They requested property owners and advertisers to join hands with the city to stop the erection of illegal signs or billboards. They also called on all advertisers to verify the legality of their billboards with city officials.

The department also advised property owners and advertisers who continue to place ads on illegal advertising structures or billboards that they shall be held liable.

They encouraged businesses to ensure that before signing advertising agreements, to make sure the advertising company has a lease agreement with the city.

The municipality is, however, providing illegal advertisers an opportunity to apply for regularisation.
Billboard owners who do not have lease agreements must approach the city’s planning department to submit applications for regularisation.

The department will assess each application and if the billboards comply with by-laws, the real estate department will issue lease agreements. The billboard will then be regularised and the municipality can start collecting revenue.

Those who cannot be regularised, or those who do not apply, will have their billboards removed.