The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has called on the Electoral Commission to take action against the DA over a billboard that was removed after the eThekwini municipality's attorney demanded its removal. The billboard, placed next to the N2 near Riverhorse Valley, featured eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and other municipal officials with a reference to the "water mafia". The municipality accused the DA of painting its senior officials as being involved in criminal activity.
Provincial convenor Mike Mabuyakhulu said the party wants the commission to take a view on the matter following the IEC Provincial Code of Conduct Signing Ceremony in Durban on September 29. He said every party had signed the code, which forbids false and defamatory allegations, and language that provokes violence. Mabuyakhulu emphasized that the billboard has come down, but the question it raises has not.
The ANC said silence from the Electoral Commission could send the message that the code can be ignored whenever polls look difficult. The party is studying the billboard matter with a view to lodging its own complaint, as it accused other parties of reckless campaigning. Mabuyakhulu said the ANC welcomed new volunteers to campaign for the party in preparation of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Mabuyakhulu stated that the ANC does not have time for cheap politicking and that their competitors are now panicking, making mistakes and revealing their true colours with campaigns that are targeting the ANC. The ANC's call for action against the DA comes ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, where the party is expected to face stiff competition.
The removal of the billboard was a result of the eThekwini municipality's attorney demanding its removal, citing that it was making defamatory claims against the municipality's officials. The DA says the campaign was aimed at highlighting the issue of water tankers in the area.
The IEC Provincial Code of Conduct Signing Ceremony in Durban on September 29 saw all parties sign the code, committing to refrain from false and defamatory allegations. The ANC is now calling on the Electoral Commission to enforce the code and take action against the DA.
The issue has sparked concerns about the tone of campaigning ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with the ANC accusing other parties of reckless campaigning. The Electoral Commission's response to the matter will be crucial in determining the tone of the elections.
Key points
- The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal wants the Electoral Commission to take action against the DA over a billboard that made defamatory claims against eThekwini municipality officials.
- The billboard was removed after the eThekwini municipality's attorney demanded its removal, citing defamatory claims.
- The ANC is studying the matter with a view to lodging its own complaint, accusing other parties of reckless campaigning.
