ActionSA weighs legal action after Soweto billboard is removed

ActionSA, a political party in South Africa, has challenged the removal of a billboard in Soweto, claiming that the City of Johannesburg unlawfully took it down without a court order. The billboard, featuring party leader Herman Mashaba and the slogan "Let's Do It Again," was situated at a privately owned site where a third-party media buyer secured the advertising space.

National Chairperson Michael Beaumont of ActionSA stated that the party is considering legal action, including criminal charges under the Municipal Electoral Act, and a complaint to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Beaumont emphasized that the billboard's removal and subsequent damage constitute a criminal offence, potentially carrying a fine or up to 10 years' imprisonment. He also noted that these legal components are significant because the billboard was maliciously damaged during its removal.

The incident, Beaumont alleged, was initiated by the ANC Member of Municipal Council (MMC) for Economic Development, rather than municipal officials, suggesting a clear motivation behind the removal. Beaumont also tied the billboard dispute to ActionSA's campaign ahead of the November 4 local government elections, stating that the billboard, along with ActionSA's broader Joburg campaign featuring Mashaba, threatened the ANC's position in Johannesburg due to the party's perceived failures.

Beaumont contrasted Mashaba's track record in Johannesburg with that of current Mayor Dada Morero, praising Mashaba's success against Morero's "horror movie" of a record in the city. ActionSA, according to Beaumont, will not tolerate politically motivated actions that limit political alternatives and has vowed to pursue an appropriate response through its legal teams.