A legal dispute is unfolding between senior officials of eThekwini Municipality and the Democratic Alliance (DA) over a contentious billboard erected by the party. The billboard, featuring eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, City Manager Musa Mbhele, and Executive Director of Water and Sanitation Ednick Msweli, suggests that the officials are part of a 'water tanker mafia'. The ANC has demanded an apology and retraction from the DA, while the officials have given the party 24 hours to remove the billboard or face legal action.
The billboard, located on the N2 freeway in Durban, has sparked outrage among the officials and the ANC, who claim it is defamatory and implies that the officials are involved in organized criminal activity. The letter from Venns Attorneys, representing the officials, states that the allegations are unfounded and false, and demands a public retraction and apology. If the DA fails to comply, the officials will approach the High Court for an order to protect their rights.
The DA has a history of controversial billboards, particularly during election seasons. In 2021, the party erected posters in Phoenix that were deemed insensitive, leading to their withdrawal and an apology. Similarly, in 2019, a billboard that read "The ANC is killing us" was removed after being found offensive. The ANC accused the DA of running a dirty campaign and warned of taking the matter to the Electoral Court.
Despite the backlash, the DA has stated that it will not remove the billboard, arguing that it holds the officials accountable for the water crisis in eThekwini. The party claims that the billboard does not allege that the officials are part of a mafia, but rather highlights their responsibility for ensuring the city's water system functions properly. The DA's stance has been defended by political analysts, who argue that the party is capitalizing on a pressing issue that affects residents.
Political analyst Dr. Siyabonga Ntombela believes that the billboard will resonate with voters, particularly those affected by the water shortages. Ntombela argues that the DA's strategy is based on empirical evidence and that the water-tanker mafia issue is a known problem in eThekwini. He suggests that the billboard may secure votes for the DA, as residents may vote differently based on the reality of the situation.
The dispute has raised concerns about the use of billboards and advertisements during election campaigns. The ANC's demand for an apology and retraction has been echoed by the officials, who feel that their reputations have been tarnished by the billboard. The DA's refusal to remove the billboard has sparked a heated debate about the limits of political campaigning and the importance of fact-based advertising.
As the dispute continues, residents of eThekwini are likely to be affected by the outcome. The water crisis has been a pressing issue in the city, and the billboard has brought attention to the problem. While the DA's strategy may have sparked controversy, it has also highlighted the need for accountability and effective governance in the city's water management systems.
Key points
- eThekwini officials have given the DA 24 hours to remove the billboard or face legal action.
- The DA has a history of controversial billboards, particularly during election seasons.
- The dispute has raised concerns about the use of billboards and advertisements during election campaigns.
