SINCE April, huge billboards have been erected around areas in the South such as Suideroord, Ridgeway Extension Three and Ormonde, in spite of several attempts to block the process.
On March 31, Ward 54 Clr Sergio dos Santos informed residents that their objection to an application to have billboards erected in various areas in the South was successful.
After an appeal, the objection was overridden and city manager Trevor Fowler approved the application, and at least six billboards have gone up in the proposed areas.
Dos Santos has, however, said that he is of the view that due process was not followed.
On May 7, Dos Santos responded to a call from Michelle Pelser and Clive Wannenburg, both members of CPF Monder Sector 2, who informed him that a billboard was being erected on Columbine Avenue.
“We checked the paperwork and they seem to have permission and authorisation to erect a billboard. We put a stop to the process till such time that proper way leave paperwork was presented. When it eventually did arrive, there were still many questions. I for one never received any application regarding these sites. With the help of the community, I have successfully opposed all billboard applications and the ones that slipped under radar eventually were approved. According to the City, the first application, at least for Suideroord, was rejected and upon appeal it was approved by the City Manager. Now my biggest gripe is that I do not believe that due process was followed,” explained Dos Santos.
Dos Santos said it is questionable why he did not receive any notice of application. “Why were the councillors’ comments not required and why did I not see any notice on either of the sites?”
After an urgent meeting was called between the department and advertising company, the councillor said he still has disputes which he plans to challenge and requests residents to support him.
City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said the matter would be referred to the relevant department for a follow up. The CHRONICLE is currently awaiting a response.
