A City of Johannesburg councillor is accusing mobile operator MTN of erecting an illegal billboard in the city.
In response, MTN says it is seeking clarity and correction, if required, on the matter.
Ward 89 councillor Amelia Bester alleges the billboard was erected at a bridge along 14th Avenue.
“I was notified that workmen were busy affixing a steel structure to the bridge over 14th Avenue,” says Bester.
“I met BCI security and JMPD [Johannesburg Metro Police Department] on site. We found eight men working on site. I took photographs whilst JMPD informed the men that they would be impounding their vehicles, tools and the MTN banner.”
She adds the contractors asked her to take a call from their agent. “The agent opted to threaten me when I made inquiry into whether he obtained permission to affix the structures and to advertise.
“These would need wayleave and outdoor advertising approvals. The contractors were not able to provide these approvals on request.”
Bester points out she phoned the MTN head office to arrange a meeting with management to discuss this issue, but has not had any confirmation of a meeting time as yet.
“They did inform, however, that they use a contractor. My suspicion is that contractors take money from unsuspecting clients knowing they do not comply with the relevant legislation. JMPD have the right to impound vehicles, tools and the like in the event of by-law transgressions.”
Just last week, Bester says, five men were arrested for malicious damage to city-owned property, when they were found them affixing steel structures, without permission, to the Golf Club Terrace Bridge.
“These steel structures compromise the integrity of the bridges and the safety of residents. We view transgressions of this nature in a very serious light. At this stage, we don’t have clear direction as to who will take responsibility to remove the illegal structures.”
In response, Jacqui O’Sullivan, executive for corporate affairs at MTN, says: “MTN is investigating this matter with our media buying agency partner.
“It is important to note that neither MTN nor our media buying agency partner owns or is responsible for the procurement of the site or erection of the structure which houses the advertisement.
“We are, however, deeply concerned that our brand is being associated with a possible transgression on the part of the owners of the infrastructure and we are seeking clarity and correction, if required, on this matter.”
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