Johannesburg has suddenly found itself in the spotlight—not for its skyline, but for the surge of illegal billboards dotting its roads.
In a bold enforcement operation this week, city authorities removed half a dozen unauthorized advertising structures, including both static and digital boards.
These removals are part of a wider campaign to reclaim public space, protect city infrastructure, and ensure advertisers play by the rules.
Dangerous Connections and Electricity Theft
One of the main concerns with these illegal billboards is their electrical usage.
High-powered digital signs have been siphoning electricity illegally from the city’s grid.
Drivers at night know the drill: blinding, oversized digital displays that dazzle and distract.
According to Johannesburg officials, many of these boards used non-compliant meters, posing serious risks to the city’s electrical network and surrounding communities.
Essentially, these billboards were stealing electricity while endangering public safety.
Locations Under the Spotlight
The crackdown focused on high-traffic zones like Winnie Mandela Drive and the N1 corridor.
City spokespersons emphasized that all advertisers must comply with municipal regulations.
The tricky part? Many companies contract third-party suppliers to handle billboard space.
This means advertisers may unknowingly appear on illegal structures, only discovering the infraction once authorities step in.
Advertisers Could Face Revenue and Reputation Loss
For advertisers, the consequences are more than just legal—they’re financial and reputational.
Contracts with billboard vendors typically assume compliance with city rules.
If a billboard is deemed illegal, advertisers could be entitled to refunds or compensation for failed exposure.
Beyond that, brand reputation may take a hit if the public perceives the company as flouting regulations, even inadvertently.
Experts also note that if vendors knowingly misrepresented the legality of their billboards, advertisers could pursue claims for fraud or misrepresentation, seeking consequential damages for the harm caused.
A Months-Long Operation
Musah Makhunga, CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), emphasized that this week’s removals are just the beginning.
Authorities plan to continue operations until all outdoor advertising complies with regulations.
“The City of Johannesburg is sending a clear message: all unauthorized structures that bypass engineering safety or steal from municipal revenue will not be tolerated,” Makhunga said.
Executive Mayor Dada Morero reinforced the message, noting that illegal advertising not only endangers infrastructure but also undermines the city’s revenue streams.
What This Means for the Future
This crackdown signals that Johannesburg is serious about cleaning up its outdoor advertising landscape.
Advertisers and agencies are being reminded to verify the legality of every billboard they use.
For residents, it could mean fewer blinding signs and safer roads.
Whether this leads to long-term compliance or simply a temporary clearing of rogue billboards remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the city has made its stance unmistakably firm—illegal advertising will no longer be ignored.
Your Thoughts
Have you spotted these illegal billboards in Johannesburg? What do you think advertisers should do to protect themselves when third-party vendors are involved? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn