Illegal outdoor advertising crackdown in South Africa’s richest city

·27 Jan 2026

The City of Johannesburg is cracking down on illegal outdoor advertising, targeting both static and digital billboards.

On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, the city undertook another major enforcement operation as part of the crackdown.

Six illegal advertising signs were affected, including large, high-impact billboards along Winnie Mandela Drive and the N1 corridor.

There was a focus on digital advertising structures drawing electricity unlawfully from the city’s network.

“Digital billboards were a key focus due to their high electricity demand and the increasing prevalence of illegal and unsafe power connections,” the city said.

These connections place the city’s electrical infrastructure at risk, endanger surrounding communities, and constitute electricity theft.

The operation identified serious contraventions, including unregistered advertising structures and illegal electricity infrastructure.

Some of the digital billboards were also found to use unapproved or non-compliant electricity meters.

“Illegal outdoor advertising and unlawful electricity use undermine public safety and damage municipal infrastructure,” the city said.

The city reiterated that all advertisers operating in Johannesburg must comply with municipal requirements.

This includes registering advertising structures, obtaining the necessary approvals, and opening a City Power account.

Advertising companies also need to obtain an approved meter and pay for the electricity they consume. “Failure to comply will result in enforcement action,” it said.

Part of a bigger crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising

The latest action forms part of a months-long operation to address the growing prominence of illegal outdoor advertising across the city.

Musah Makhunga, the CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), said that unlawful structures are a big problem in the city.

He explained that these unlawful structures compromise public safety, disrupt infrastructure, and deprive the City of much-needed revenue.

“This operation reflects a firm stance against non-compliance and a renewed commitment to enforcing by-laws without fear or favour,” he said.

Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Dada Morero, added that the companies behind the illegal billboards violate advertising by-laws and engineering certification standards.

He explained that the operation, which involves reclaiming public spaces and restoring order, is related to illegal outdoor advertising in Johannesburg.

Makhunga added that the operation, which was launched in December 2025, will continue until all outdoor advertisers are compliant.

“The City is sending a clear message: unauthorised structures that bypass engineering safety and steal from municipal revenue will not be tolerated,” he said.