In an effort to curb the widespread problem of illegal advertising across the city, the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) launched a decluttering programme last year aimed at removing unregulated advertising structures and improving the city’s appearance.
Providing an update on the initiative, MMM’s acting general manager of communications, Nicolette Maysiels, said a contractor was appointed for a six month-period from January to June 2025 to remove illegal advertising structures throughout the metro.
“The intervention resulted in the removal of 441 posters, 213 estate agent signs and eight billboards,” said Maysiels.
She added the municipality has observed a slight decline in by-law violations since the launch of the campaign, partly due to improved compliance from businesses and advertisers.
“Following the issuance of compliance notices, several companies submitted applications for approval, which were subsequently considered and approved by MMM. To strengthen enforcement efforts, a total of 379 compliance notices were issued to clients across the municipality during the reporting period,” she said.
To support the ongoing enforcement drive, MMM has also appointed an experienced service provider to develop a health and safety plan for the removal of illegal advertising structures.
“This plan will guide the appointed contractor in the safe and effective removal of illegal structures over the next three years,” Maysiels explained.
She said the municipality remains committed to reducing non-compliance through continued public awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement and the ongoing issuance of compliance notices throughout the municipal area.
“These measures are expected to further improve compliance with advertising by-laws and contribute to a cleaner, safer and more orderly urban environment,” she concluded.
Clement Matroos
[email protected]
