18 Mar 2026

The Gaborone City Council (GCC) has identified 373 illegal advertisement cases that have been submitted for legal proceedings.

“Of these, 160 involve advertisement boards belonging to unidentified owners, while the remaining 213 belong to known entities whose lease agreements have expired,” said Gaborone City Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng during the council session on Monday.

He reiterated that the council held the exclusive mandate to approve the erection of advertisement structures within the city.

Even though the council had submitted illegal advertisements cases for legal action, Mr Motlaleng said they continued to face the challenge of new advertisement boards being erected without the involvement or approval of the authority.

Nonetheless, he said the council remained committed to eliminating illegal advertisements in the capital, despite continued challenges.

On the growing number of unauthorised billboards, Mr Motlaleng said the council had adopted a stricter enforcement approach based on legal advice.

“The law permits the council to intervene and demolish any unlawful erection without the need for a court order if construction is ongoing,” he said.

Mr Motlaleng warned individuals and companies involved in erecting illegal advertising structures that the council would enforce provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act and the Gaborone City Council (General) Byelaws.

He said the rapid spread of illegal advertisement boards deprived the city of much-needed revenue required to fund social services.

“We want to warn all those involved in these illegal activities that we will not tire of doing what is right,” he said.

As part of the council’s long-term strategy, Mr Motlaleng said some advertisement spaces would be reclaimed and managed through the council’s investment company, wholly owned by GCC, to generate additional revenue while ensuring proper regulation of outdoor advertising.

Mr Motlaleng also announced stricter enforcement measures to address the growing problem of self-appointed parking assistants and abandoned roadside structures across the capital.

He said the council had received numerous complaints from residents and motorists about individuals who had taken it upon themselves to act as informal parking assistants.

“Many of these individuals aggressively demand payment from motorists, litter in public spaces and disturb drivers,” he said, adding that some vehicles had allegedly been damaged when motorists refused to pay.

Mr Motlaleng said law enforcement officers had been instructed to take action against the illegal practice.

He also raised concerns about abandoned and illegal roadside structures, saying they negatively affected the city’s cleanliness and appearance.

While acknowledging the importance of the informal sector, Mr Motlaleng said traders must operate within regulations.

He added that hawkers were required to use portable structures that must be removed after business hours, failing which the council would remove them.

He urged residents and traders to cooperate with authorities as enforcement intensifies. ENDS