The Democratic Alliance’s controversial billboard aimed at eThekwini’s leadership has been pulled down after the Municipality’s lawyers came knocking.
The billboard, which took aim at the City’s political leadership and senior administration, made disparaging claims involving the Mayor, City Manager Musa Mbhele and the Executive Director responsible for water and sanitation.
But the political billboard is no more.
Following a letter of demand from the Municipality’s attorneys, the DA removed the billboard, bringing an abrupt end to the roadside political showdown.
The Municipality had objected to the billboard, arguing that its content harmed the dignity and reputation of the individuals depicted.
And with the billboard now gone, the development is likely to fuel political jabs that the DA walked away from the fight with its tail between its legs.
Mbhele welcomed the removal, saying political parties have every right to scrutinise the City and challenge its leadership over service delivery and governance.
He warned, however, that political contestation should not cross into defamation.
“Those who serve this City, whether as elected leaders or as appointed officials, must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities with their integrity intact,” Mbhele said.
The Municipality has urged political parties to use proper and lawful channels when raising concerns about service delivery and governance.
For now, the billboard war appears to be over.
But with local government elections approaching, the political battle for eThekwini is only getting hotter.
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