In the Sandton Chronicle article, Hazardous advertising, week ending 29 July, the issue of an advertising billboard constructed beneath an Eskom electrical pylon on William Nicol Drive was discussed.
Kena Media, a Rosebank-based media company, has admitted that they are the owners of this billboard.
The media company wished to be quoted as a whole and said, “The billboard belongs to Kena Media. [It] was earthed by a professional electrician and does not pose any hazards in relation to the power line above it.”
In July, spokesperson for Eskom, Khulu Phasiwe said, “This matter has been brought to our attention. Eskom is currently working with the City of Johannesburg and a plan has been activated to remove this billboard.”
Adding that Eskom’s attorneys were issuing the media company with a demand to have it removed.
However, more than a month after Eskom made this statement, the billboard still stands and Ward 102 councillor David Potter said that this is very concerning. He stressed that this advert poses a safety risk as it is dangerously close to an electrical pylon and power lines which carry electricity. Potter highlighted that well-known brands are advertising on this billboard and may not be aware of the fact that it has been unlawfully constructed.
On 1 September, Phasiwe told Sandton Chronicle that Eskom has every intention of removing the billboard. “The [Eskom] legal team is on it and will issue instructions to them [Kena Media] to remove the advertisement. The City [of Johannesburg] is also on board and agrees that this advert needs to be removed.”
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