The City of Johannesburg has intensified its crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising, urging property owners to comply with municipal by-laws following a targeted enforcement operation in Sandton.
The City, working alongside the Joburg Property Company (JPC), said the operation formed part of a broader campaign to improve compliance, enhance revenue collection and protect public infrastructure. The multi-disciplinary raid focused on removing unlawful signage and addressing illegal electricity connections linked to advertising structures.
Authorities involved in the operation included City Power, the Johannesburg Roads Agency, Development Planning officials and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department. Together, they inspected several sites in Sandton, dismantling non-compliant billboards and issuing notices to property owners found to be in violation of city regulations.
According to the City, outdoor advertising is a regulated activity governed by municipal by-laws that require prior approval before any signage is erected. Officials warned that failure to comply not only undermines urban planning standards but also creates significant safety risks, particularly where illegal electricity connections are involved.
JPC spokesperson Lucky Sindane said property owners must follow due process before entering into agreements with advertising companies. “No structure may be erected, nor advertising conducted, without the required consent. This applies to both privately-owned and City-owned land,” he said.
The enforcement drive comes as municipalities across South Africa face increasing financial pressure. The City of Johannesburg has identified outdoor advertising as a key revenue stream that is often undermined by незаконal signage. According to industry estimates by the Out of Home Measurement Council South Africa, the country’s out-of-home advertising sector generates more than R4 billion annually, with a significant portion concentrated in major metros such as Johannesburg. However, non-compliant structures and unpaid fees continue to result in substantial revenue losses for local governments.
In addition to financial implications, officials highlighted the safety hazards posed by illegal billboards. The South African Local Government Association has previously warned that poorly constructed or unapproved signage can collapse during severe weather conditions, posing risks to motorists and pedestrians. Johannesburg frequently experiences high winds and summer storms, increasing the likelihood of such incidents.
The City also raised concerns about visual pollution and its impact on urban aesthetics. Unregulated signage, particularly in high-value areas like Sandton, can detract from the city’s image as an economic hub and discourage investment.
Residents and businesses have been urged to consult with Development Planning officials before entering into any agreements with outdoor advertising companies. The City cautioned that while private arrangements may appear profitable, they are unlawful without proper authorisation and could result in penalties, removal of structures and additional costs.
The City of Johannesburg said it will continue with similar enforcement operations across other parts of the metro in the coming months. Officials maintain that sustained compliance is essential to ensuring public safety, protecting infrastructure and securing much-needed municipal revenue.
