Solidarity is preparing for potential legal action against the City of Johannesburg after its eye-catching campaign banners were unceremoniously removed by municipal authorities. Image credit: IOL/X.
(The Post News) – Solidarity is considering taking the City of Johannesburg to court. This follows after one of its banners was removed from a public site without warning.
The banner, part of the organization’s public awareness campaign. This was reportedly taken down by city officials shortly after being erected, sparking accusations of censorship and political interference.
According to Solidarity, the banner was lawfully placed after securing the necessary permissions. The organization argues that the removal infringes on its right to freedom of expression . Solidarity believes this indicates unequal treatment compared to other groups that display public messaging. Solidarity spokespersons say they have written to the City. They are demanding an explanation and the immediate return or reinstatement of the banner.
The City of Johannesburg has yet to release a detailed statement. But, maintains that the action taken was in line with municipal by-laws governing outdoor advertising. Officials suggest the banner have not complied with technical or location requirements, though Solidarity disputes this.
According to reports, legal experts note that a court challenge test the scope of municipalities’ powers, over political and civil communication in public spaces.
Solidarity says it will pursue legal avenues if the City does not offer clarity and a remedy. The organization insists the matter is not only about a banner. But about defending constitutional rights and preventing arbitrary use of power.
More information is expected once the City officially responds to Solidarity’s legal demands.
City of Johannesburg By Laws on Banners
The City of Johannesburg regulates the advertising using banners under its Outdoor Advertising By-laws. By laws are designed to make sure that public spaces stay safe, orderly, and fairly used. Any banner that is placed in a public area must first be approved by the City.
Organizations are expected to resubmit the planned location. The duration of the advertisement and a copy of the content that will show on the banner. If the banner is attached to private property but faces a public road. The property owner’s consent must also be provided.
The by-laws prohibit banners that contain offensive or discriminatory language, or material that be considered defamatory. Certain areas are restricted, particularly where banners interfere with road safety or obscure official traffic signs. Spaces that includes bridges, major highways managed by South African Road Agency (SANRAL), heritage sites, and environmentally sensitive zones. Generally need permissions or are considered unsuitable for promotional displays.
Banners are classified as temporary outdoor advertising and can only be displayed for a limited period,. Time frame is generally ranging between 14 and 30 days depending on the nature of the promotion. Each banner must also clearly show the approval number issued by the municipality. The name of the responsible organization, and the valid advertising dates.
Safety and structural stability are key requirements. Banners must be securely installed to withstand weather conditions and avoid posing any risk to pedestrians or motorists. Any damage caused to municipal property during installation or removal must be repaired by the advertiser.
The City is empowered to remove banners without prior notice. Banners are erected without authorization or found to be in violation of the by-laws. Fines are be issued, and the costs of removal can be recovered from the party responsible. In cases of repeated non-compliance, the City can deny future applications for banner displays.
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