Dischem advertising on an illegal billboard in Johannesburg. Image: City of Johannesburg / XThe City of Johannesburg’s crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising has put the spotlight on major companies and well-known brands whose adverts appeared on unpermitted, unlawful billboards across the city. Illegal advertising targeted along major routesThe latest operation took place on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, and affected six illegal advertising structures. Executive Mayor Dada Morero said that the companies behind illegal billboards often violate advertising by-laws and engineering certification standards, undermining efforts to restore order to public spaces. Johannesburg officials stressed that advertisers are not exempt from responsibility, even when using third-party media or outdoor advertising companies.