The City of Johannesburg has announced that it will fine political parties R500 for each poster that is put up during the campaign for the May 29 general election and not removed.
The city says all posters must be removed within 14 days after the election.
Spokesman Virgil James said failing to remove the posters would violate the city's outdoor advertising ordinance.
“In accordance with the provisions of section 28 of the City of Johannesburg Outdoor Advertising Bylaw, all political parties participated in the election and displayed posters during the election period. The section provides that a person who displays a poster must remove it within 14 days of the end of the election. If this provision is not complied with, the council will notify the political party concerned within 14 days of the end of the election and they must remove the posters within the specified period. If this provision is not complied with, the council may allow the political party concerned to remove the posters themselves upon payment of the prescribed fee of R500 per poster.”
Meanwhile, the National Election Commission (IEC) said the period for displaying and removing election posters varies according to the ordinances of each local government.
The IEC adds that local governments are responsible for implementing their bylaws in this regard.
Northwestern Commission head Dr Tumerontul Tiba said penalties would be decided by local governments.
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town's head of environment and heritage Dimitri Georgeades said political parties had been told to remove their election posters by June 10 or face fines.
