The Democratic Alliance's billboard, which featured images of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, City Manager Musa Mbhele, and Water and Sanitation Executive Director Ednick Msweli, was removed days after the municipality's attorneys demanded its removal. The billboard was part of the DA's campaign to hold the municipality accountable for water service delivery.
The eThekwini Municipality had objected to the billboard, saying it was defamatory and damaged the dignity and reputation of the officials depicted. The municipality's attorneys had demanded that the billboard be removed within 24 hours and that the DA issue a public apology, warning that legal action would follow if the demands were not met.
The DA had maintained that the billboard was aimed at raising questions about water service delivery in eThekwini. The party's Mayoral Candidate, Haniff Hoosen, questioned the circumstances surrounding the board's removal and said residents should be able to hold the municipality accountable for the city's water challenges.
The municipality has welcomed the billboard's removal, saying those who serve the City must be able to carry out their responsibilities without their integrity being undermined. City Manager Musa Mbhele said the removal of the billboard was welcomed, and that robust political contestation must never descend into defamation of individuals who are accountable to the public.
The DA has continued to defend the billboard, with Hoosen saying that officials in the government of eThekwini are scared of accountability and do not want residents to see a billboard that exposes the city's water tanker mafia. The party has questioned why the billboard was taken down, saying the city has chosen to fight a billboard rather than spend money on fixing pipes.
The removal of the billboard is seen as a significant development in the run-up to the 2026 local government elections. The DA's campaign message has highlighted the water crisis in eThekwini, with residents expressing frustration with the ANC government's handling of the issue. The party's campaign has gained traction, with many residents calling for a change in leadership.
The water crisis in eThekwini has been a major concern for residents, with many areas experiencing frequent water shortages and disruptions. The DA has made water service delivery a key issue in its campaign, promising to address the city's water challenges and provide residents with reliable access to clean water.
Key points
- The DA's billboard was removed after eThekwini municipal officials threatened legal action.
- The municipality had objected to the billboard, saying it was defamatory and damaged the dignity and reputation of the officials depicted.
- The DA has continued to defend the billboard, saying it was aimed at raising questions about water service delivery in eThekwini.
