Political parties face hefty removal costs over illegal Cape Town election posters

Cape Town – The City of Cape Town has reminded political parties and independent candidates to comply with strict rules governing election posters and swivel banners as the official campaign display period begins ahead of the local government elections.

The City said Wednesday marks 11 weeks before the elections and that political parties are now permitted to put up election-related posters and swivel banners within Cape Town’s municipal boundaries.

The rules were distributed to registered political parties several weeks ago and set out where and how campaign material may be displayed.

Political parties are allowed one election poster and one additional event poster per party on each streetlight pole. Posters may only be placed on streetlight poles and must be mounted on boards and securely fastened.

They are prohibited on traffic signal poles, electrical and service boxes, street furniture, walls, fences, trees, rocks, bridges and other structures.

Posters are also prohibited along the freeway sections of the N1, N2, N7 and R300 and may not exceed 0.9m by 0.6m.

The City said election posters must be removed within 10 days after the election, including any strings or plastic fasteners used to secure them.

Swivel banners

Political parties and independent candidates wishing to use swivel banners must apply to the City for permission.

The City said applications are free and will be processed within 24 hours, but banners may only be placed on approved lamp poles along designated routes.

“Swivel banner locations will be made available on a first come first served basis and political parties and independent candidates are encouraged to apply early because there is a limited number of poles available,” the City said.

Swivel banners may not be displayed within 30 metres of a road traffic sign or traffic signal.

The City also warned that poles carrying swivel banners may not be used for election posters.

Parties face removal costs

Campaign material that violates the rules must be removed by the political party or candidate within 48 hours of receiving notification.

Failure to comply will result in the City removing the offending material at the party or candidate’s expense.

The removal costs are R124 per poster, R179 per pasted poster, R993 per swivel banner and R1,426 per swivel banner mounting device.

The City is also urging members of the public to report violations in writing to the Deputy Municipal Electoral Officer.

The rules apply to all political parties and independent candidates contesting the upcoming local government elections.