M1 BANNER REMOVAL SPARKS CLASH OVER RACE AND POWER

Solidarity stated it erected 38 more billboards across Joburg with same message

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

IS IT politics, or is it a matter of enforcing bylaws?

This thorny question was brought to the fore in the past few days as a political storm erupted over Johannesburg's M1, where the city removed Solidarity's banner that boldly declared South Africa "the most race-regulated country in the world".

The standoff, described by an analyst as a "clash between two ideological forces," has ignited a far deeper ideological fight over race, power, and who gets to define the country's political future.

The city has repeatedly denied that politics or the upcoming G20 summit played any role in the decision. Officials insist the banner came down for one reason only: it was put up illegally.

"The past few days have seen incorrect messages circulating about the reasons for the removal," the city said, stressing that it has a constitutional duty to enforce its bylaws "consistently and transparently". It added: "Adherence to these prescripts is essential to the effective and orderly functioning of the city."

Under Johannesburg's Outdoor Advertising By-Laws, any organisation wanting to install signage on city-owned property must submit a formal application. The city says Solidarity never applied, meaning the massive banner was erected in direct contravention of the law.

Officials insist its message had no bearing on the decision. "Any insinuation of bias or ulterior motive is categorically rejected. The city cannot stand by while its bylaws are flagrantly disregarded."

The city said that despite Solidarity's clear and deliberate breach of bylaws, the organisation went straight to the High Court seeking the banner's return and reinstatement.

Officials added that the city had already offered to return the banner on the condition that Solidarity refrain from reinstalling it anywhere in the city until it complied with the proper legal procedures.