G20 billboard war erupts

COURT: SETTLEMENT ORDER FAILS TO HALT ROW BETWEEN CITY AND SOLIDARITY

- Marizka Coetzer

The bitter war of words between civic organisation Solidarity and the city of Joburg over the removal of a 70m-long billboard banner claiming South Africa is the most racially regulated country in the world, continued yesterday, despite claims a settlement had been reached in a court action.

Last Thursday, Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann confirmed the court papers against premier Panyaza Lesufi and the city were served after the removal of the billboard banner on the M1.

Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) spokesperson Connie Mulder said the city would return Solidarity’s 70m banner free of charge following a settlement agreement that was made an order of the court.

Despite a request, he did not provide a copy of the court order.

For its part, the city maintained its position that the banner was put up illegally, without its permission.

“The city emphasises that this action was taken solely due to noncompliance with the Outdoor Advertising bylaws of 2009.

“These bylaws require any organisation wishing to erect, install, or display outdoor advertising on city-owned property to apply for and obtain formal approval. No such application was received from Solidarity and the banner was installed without permission, in direct contravention of municipal regulations.