Crackdown on Illegal Billboards in South Africa: How the City of Johannesburg is Tackling the Issue

Illegal billboards have long been a challenge in South Africa, particularly in major urban centers like Johannesburg. These unauthorized signs not only undermine the revenue potential of the city but also create a cluttered and often unsafe advertising environment. In an effort to restore order and ensure compliance with municipal regulations, the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning Department has launched an extensive campaign to dismantle and remove illegal advertising boards and signs across the city.

The Scale of the Problem

The rise of illegal billboards in Johannesburg has been a persistent issue for years. These billboards often lack proper approval from the local authorities and are frequently erected in locations that violate city by-laws and national regulations, such as road servitudes and national roads. One of the most recent examples was the removal of an illegally erected billboard along the N1 Highway in Halfway Gardens, Midrand. The billboard, promoting a popular liquor brand, was not only set up without permission but also violated the South African National Road Agency Limited Act by being placed on the road servitude of a national highway.

According to estimates, Johannesburg alone has hundreds of illegal billboards, with reports suggesting that these signs outnumber legal ones in certain areas. This has led to significant revenue losses for the city, as lawful billboard owners pay taxes and fees to the municipality, which illegal advertisers evade. MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina, expressed frustration with the situation, stating that despite the City’s repeated attempts to engage illegal advertisers, the problem persists.

The City’s Response

In March 2024, the City of Johannesburg intensified its efforts to combat illegal advertising by launching a crackdown spearheaded by the Development Planning Department. The campaign has already seen the removal of numerous billboards found to be in violation of city by-laws. Cllr Eunice Mgcina has been at the forefront of these efforts, personally overseeing the removal of illegal signs and reaffirming the City’s zero-tolerance stance on the matter.

“We will not hesitate to remove any illegal advertising sign regardless of size or stature,” said Mgcina. The City’s message is clear: advertisers and media owners must comply with the law or face the consequences. In addition to removing illegal signage, the City is working closely with stakeholders such as the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the courts to recover lost revenue and ensure the long-term sustainability of the outdoor advertising industry.

The Impact on Legal Media Owners

The crackdown on illegal billboards is not just about restoring order; it’s also about protecting the rights of legal media owners who adhere to city by-laws and regulations. Legal billboard operators pay taxes and fees, contributing to the local economy and creating a level playing field. Illegal billboards, by contrast, often siphon business away from legitimate operators, leading to unfair competition.

To prevent further violations, media owners are now being urged to verify the legal status of their advertising signs with the City’s Outdoor Advertising Unit. The City has reiterated its commitment to enforcing by-laws and ensuring that only authorized billboards remain in place.

The Legal vs. Illegal Billboard Landscape

Statistics show a significant disparity between legal and illegal billboards in Johannesburg. While it’s difficult to pinpoint exact figures due to the often-hidden nature of illegal advertising, it is estimated that up to 30% of all billboards in some regions of Johannesburg are illegal. This has created a substantial financial burden on the City, which misses out on millions of rand in potential revenue from lawful advertising fees.

The City’s current approach seeks to rectify this imbalance, with officials promising to crack down further and restore revenue owed to the municipality. The partnership with key stakeholders is expected to lead to stricter enforcement and greater transparency in the outdoor advertising industry.

The Future of Outdoor Advertising Compliance

Looking ahead, the City of Johannesburg aims to continue its efforts in collaboration with national and provincial authorities. The goal is to ensure that advertisers and media owners comply with regulations and that the outdoor advertising landscape becomes more regulated and fair.

Brand owners, advertisers, and agencies are urged to take proactive steps by ensuring that all outdoor advertising contracts comply with city and national regulations. The message from the City is simple: comply or face serious consequences.

Conclusion

The battle against illegal billboards in South Africa is far from over, but the City of Johannesburg is making significant strides in restoring order to its streets. By removing unauthorized signs and holding advertisers accountable, the City is protecting its revenue streams, ensuring safety, and creating a fair playing field for legal media owners. For advertisers, the message is clear: verify the legality of your advertising signs, or risk the consequences of the City’s ongoing crackdown.

For more information on the City’s Outdoor Advertising Unit or to verify your billboard's legal status, contact the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning Department.