The City of Cape Town has reminded political parties and independent candidates to follow strict rules when putting up election posters and swivel banners ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The municipality regulates temporary political signage under its outdoor advertising framework and provides separate application processes for campaign posters and lamp-pole swivel banners.

According to Cape Town Etc, parties that are notified about non-compliant campaign material will have 48 hours to remove it.

If they fail to act, the City can remove the signage and recover the cost from the responsible party or candidate.

Removing illegal posters could be costly

The reported removal charges are R124 for a standard election poster and R179 for a pasted poster.

Removing an unauthorised swivel banner would cost R993, while mounting devices could attract a R1,426 removal charge.

Parties may display one election poster and one additional event poster on each permitted streetlight pole.

Posters must be securely attached to boards. Pasting them directly onto structures is prohibited.

Election posters may not be larger than 0.9m by 0.6m and must be removed within 10 days after the election.

Some locations are off limits

Campaign posters may not be placed on traffic signal poles, trees, walls, fences or other structures that have not been approved for political advertising.

Cape Town’s outdoor advertising by-law also prohibits certain temporary banners from being displayed within 30 metres of road traffic signs or signals.

Swivel banners may only be placed on designated lamp poles after approval from the City.

The municipality has a formal application process for these banners, including requirements governing approved poles and mounting equipment.

Parties urged to apply early

Political parties and candidates have been encouraged to submit swivel-banner applications early because the number of available lamp poles is limited.

Cape Town Etc reports that applications are free and are normally processed within 24 hours.

Residents are also being encouraged to report political signage that appears to breach the City’s rules.

The stricter enforcement means parties heading into the 2026 election campaign will need to carefully manage where, how and for how long their election material is displayed.