The City of Joburg (CoJ) has collected close to R100 million in revenue after intensifying its crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising across the city. The revenue was recovered through compliance and law enforcement operations led by the Joburg Property Company (JPC). The operations aim to enforce the City’s Outdoor Advertising By-Laws and improve revenue collection to support service delivery.
Speaking during an enforcement operation on Tuesday, 12 May, at the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Republic Road, JPC Chief Executive Officer Musah Makhunga said the outdoor advertising industry had previously contributed only about R4 million annually to the City. “When we started this operation in January, many media owners came forward to engage with the City and enter into formal agreements. We started from a base of about R4 million per annum, and we are now reaching close to R100 million.“This demonstrates that there was significant revenue leakage within the outdoor advertising portfolio, money that rightfully belongs to the City to support service delivery,” said Makhunga.
Makhunga added that the City would continue intensifying enforcement operations to ensure all outdoor advertising companies comply with municipal regulations. “We will continue pushing hard because there are still areas where illegal outdoor advertising is mushrooming. The revenue collected through compliance will assist the City in addressing critical service delivery challenges, including infrastructure maintenance, fixing potholes, and improving urban management,” he said.
Senior Law Enforcement Officer for Development Planning dealing with outdoor advertising infringements, Tembinkosi Mvelase, said the latest operation followed investigations into illegal billboard structures identified along Republic Road. Mvelase said notices had been issued to the responsible parties, but no corrective action was taken within the required timeframe, leading to enforcement action by the City.
“These advertising structures are not approved by the City of Johannesburg. There is a detailed approval process that includes notifying the City, submitting applications, paying the required fees, and undergoing technical evaluations before any sign can be erected,” he said.
He added that many advertisers continue to erect signs illegally despite being aware of the regulations.
“The Outdoor Advertising By-Law of 2009 is clear. Companies must not erect signage before obtaining approval from the City. Unfortunately, many operators ignore the law, which is why these enforcement operations are necessary,” said Mvelase.
Mvelase said it remains committed to increasing compliance inspections and ensuring that all outdoor advertising operators follow municipal by-laws while contributing fairly to the City’s revenue and service delivery efforts.
