ANC KZN demands IEC action over contested DA billboard ahead of 2026 elections

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is urging the Electoral Commission to investigate a DA billboard that allegedly defames officials and promotes criminal activity. The controversial billboard, located near Riverhorse Valley, featured eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and other municipal officials alongside a reference to the "water mafia." The advertising company removed the billboard after the municipality's attorney demanded its removal, claiming the DA had portrayed its senior officials in a criminal light.

During the ANC's Countdown Clock launch on Monday, provincial convenor Mike Mabuyakhulu called on the commission to address the matter in light of the IEC Provincial Code of Conduct Signing Ceremony held in Durban on September 29. He emphasized that every political party had signed the code, which prohibits false and defamatory statements and incites violence. Mabuyakhulu stressed that the billboard's removal does not erase the underlying issue, as it raises questions about the code's enforcement.

The ANC party insists that ignoring the code could send the wrong message ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, potentially undermining the integrity of the electoral process. Mabuyakhulu stated that they are examining the billboard situation with the intention of filing a formal complaint, as they accused other parties of engaging in reckless campaigning.

The ANC leader also welcomed new volunteers to support their cause in preparation for the upcoming elections, highlighting their competitors' panic, mistakes, and the revealing of their true intentions through their contentious campaign tactics.