ANC opens case after election banners allegedly vandalised in Durban

The African National Congress (ANC) in eThekwini says it will open a criminal case after its campaign posters and street-pole banners were allegedly vandalised along the M4 North in Durban.

The ANC eThekwini Region said the campaign material was removed from street poles in the early hours of Thursday, 3 September, describing the incident as a criminal offence and a violation of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) electoral code of conduct.

The party condemned the incident as an act of political provocation and called on political parties and residents to promote tolerance during the election campaign.

“Tolerance is the cornerstone of political stability in our young democratic system. Gone are the days where there were no go areas in our communities,” the ANC said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The party said all political parties have the right to campaign and advertise across the country and called on members of the public to report incidents that could undermine the electoral process.

“The vandalising of the ANC’s posters and street pole banners is the highest form of provocation and should be condemned by all peace and democracy loving people,” the party said.

The ANC said it would approach the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate the matter and identify those responsible.

The incident comes as political parties step up their campaigns ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections.

WHERE CAN PARTIES PUT UP CAMPAIGN POSTERS IN ETHEKWINI?

In eThekwini, the municipality has made designated routes, including the Ruth First Highway/M4 Northern Freeway, available for election-related advertising, subject to municipal requirements. Political parties and candidates are also required to remove election advertising within 30 days after the elections.

The M4 Northern Freeway is a major route through Durban’s northern corridor, connecting the city with areas including Durban North, uMhlanga and uMdloti.

The ANC has since called on citizens to report any further incidents of campaign material being vandalised, while it awaits a police investigation into the matter.