Poster prank could cost jokers thousands of rands
Published: May 07, 2024<< BACK TO NEWS
"The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality considers the juvenile posters plastered across town, declaring Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk as missing, in a serious light and will throw the book at the pranksters.”
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements,
Thembinkosi Mafana, issued this stringent warning, saying that the transgressors
can face fines up to R3000 for failure to follow the correct procedures
pertained in the municipal outdoor advertising policy.
"However, the fines do not include potential litigation
by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
"Firstly, I would like to assure the public that
Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk is hard at work for our city and safe.
"Besides the message being a childish attempt to stir,
it is undesirable as municipal lamp poles are currently used by political
parties for electioneering.
"As per agreement with the South African Local
Government Association (SALGA) we relax our bylaws to allow political parties
to compete fairly for outdoor advertising space.
"We therefore cannot allow the illegal occupation of
advertising space, meant for political parties, to be used by pranksters.
"In addition, if those responsible, do not take
responsibility – which we strongly suspect in this case – the illegal posters
will end up on landfill sites.
"I instructed the Executive Director of Human
Settlements, Tabiso Mfeya, to investigate this matter and take the necessary
actions, if and when required,” MMC Mafana said.
In terms of the municipal outdoor advertising bylaw:
1.
Displaying an unauthorized sign. - R1000
fine
2.
"Display[ing] a sign without consent granted
by the municipality in terms of section 9 or under section 10 of the bylaw.” - R1000
fine
3.
"Failure to remove or cease to
display the sign, which is found to be undesirable.” - R1000 fine
Members of the public with information regarding the identity
of those responsible for erecting the posters, can call the Metro Police at 041
585 1555.
Ends
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