AfriForum Pressures Tshwane Metro to Penalize Political Parties for Overdue Election Posters

The civil rights organization AfriForum has issued a clarion call to the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality to bring political parties to book for failing to remove election posters, a full two months after South Africa’s general election on May 29. Remaining visible on numerous lampposts throughout the city, these posters are not only an eyesore but also a violation of local bylaws.

Specifically, the Tshwane Metro’s Bylaw for Outdoor Advertising mandates the removal of election materials within a 14-day post-election timeframe. Non-compliance holds a R5,000 penalty per infraction. AfriForum, spotlighting the issue, has pointed out the potential revenue stream this represents for the municipality, which could significantly aid in maintaining public spaces and enforcing cleanliness standards.

On August 29, AfriForum communicated its concerns to the Tshwane Metro in writing. The letter highlighted the organization's readiness to support the municipality in enforcement actions. This includes taking on the hands-on task of poster removal, as permitted by the bylaw, which allows the appointment of external entities at the expense of those political parties responsible for the posters.

Sampie Steinberg, head of AfriForum’s northern region, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring adherence to local statutes, proposing a proactive stance involving fines and collaborative cleaning efforts.

AfriForum's District Coordinator for Greater Pretoria South, Dewet Ungerer, signaled the organization’s preparedness to engage in the operational aspect of this proposed partnership. AfriForum suggests that their involvement would not only expedite the clearing process but also provide a broader deterrent for any future disregard for the advertising bylaw.

In asserting their proposition, AfriForum has signaled an intention for an urgent dialogue with the Tshwane Metro to crystalize this partnership and enable a swift resolution to the issue of lingering election posters, thereby promoting a tidy, law-abiding urban environment.