The Democratic Alliance's billboard, which was put up in the run-up to the local government elections, was taken down on Friday, 02 October. The billboard featured an image of a water tanker and the slogan "water tanker mafia". The eThekwini Municipality had objected to the billboard, saying it was misleading and inaccurate. Mayor Cyril Xaba had written to the DA, demanding that the billboard be removed or face legal action.
The DA had defended the billboard, saying it was meant to highlight the issue of water tankers being used to supply water to communities in the eThekwini area. However, the party eventually decided to remove the billboard to avoid further controversy. The move comes as the local government elections approach, with parties vying for votes in the province. The DA is one of the main contenders in the elections.
The eThekwini Municipality has been experiencing challenges with water supply, particularly in rural areas. The municipality has been relying on water tankers to supply water to communities, but there have been concerns about the cost and effectiveness of this approach. The DA's billboard had sparked a heated debate about the issue, with some people supporting the party's stance and others criticizing it.
Mayor Cyril Xaba had expressed concerns that the billboard was misleading and could damage the reputation of the municipality. He had also questioned the accuracy of the information presented on the billboard. The mayor's letter of demand had given the DA an ultimatum to remove the billboard or face legal action.
The removal of the billboard is seen as a victory for the eThekwini Municipality, which had been pushing for its removal. The municipality has been working to improve its water supply infrastructure, including the construction of new water treatment plants and the upgrading of existing ones. The DA's removal of the billboard is also seen as a sign of the party's commitment to avoiding controversy and focusing on the issues.
The local government elections in South Africa are typically held every five years, with the most recent ones being held in 2021. The elections are an important opportunity for citizens to participate in the democratic process and choose their local representatives. The elections are often marked by intense campaigning and debate, with parties vying for votes and presenting their platforms to voters.
The DA's decision to remove the billboard has been seen as a strategic move, aimed at avoiding further controversy and focusing on the issues. The party has been working to improve its image and build trust with voters, particularly in the eThekwini area. The removal of the billboard is seen as a positive step in this regard, allowing the party to focus on its core message and policies.
Key points
- The DA's "water tanker mafia" billboard was removed after eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba threatened legal action.
