Investigation begins into the conduct of councillors

Following City of Cape Town and media reports that have come to my attention, I will today begin my investigation into the conduct of councillors who allegedly formed part of the group who illegally removed the banner that was erected on a building in the Cape Town central business district.

I will carefully go through the footage I have received and, if necessary, will call for witnesses to give testimony on the level of participation of the councillors.

I will accumulate information to apply my mind to the matter. I will then decide if it should be referred to a disciplinary committee. If it is found that the councillors were in breach of the code of conduct that councillors must adhere to, they will appear before the committee. In addition to this, if they were found to be involved in any illegal act or acts, the matter will be referred to the South African Police Service.

I call on members of the public to report any illegal activities that they witnessed in this regard to the South African Police Service for investigation.

The billboard which was erected by a private company on private property did not comply with the City of Cape Town’s Outdoor Advertising and Signage By-law. The billboard was also in contravention of the National Building Regulations and Standards Act.

An application for the billboard in question was not received by the City. This matter has therefore been handed over for prosecution.

Applications for signage and billboards are evaluated against the technical requirements of the by-law, such as the size of a billboard and, for instance, whether the erection would constitute a safety hazard.

Statement issued by City of Cape Town Speaker, Alderman Dirk Smit, 19 January 2016