Lesufi removes Solidarity’s “race-regulated SA” billboard

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has on Monday ordered the removal of a racially charged billboard erected by trade union Solidarity, which claimed South Africa is “the most race-regulated country in the world.”

The provocative display appeared along major Johannesburg routes just days before the G20 Summit, sparking national outrage and swift intervention from the provincial government.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya condemned the campaign as divisive and misleading, describing it as “the work of a tiny right-wing minority” seeking to distort the country’s democratic progress. He said the timing of the billboard was calculated to attract international attention and embarrass South Africa at a moment when global leaders are converging in Johannesburg.

Lesufi’s office confirmed that the billboard was taken down within hours of his directive, saying the province would not tolerate messaging that inflames racial tensions or undermines national unity. “We cannot allow our city to become a stage for hate-fuelled propaganda, especially as we welcome the world,” said a statement from the Premier’s office.

Solidarity, however, defended the campaign, arguing it sought to highlight “race-based madness” in government policy. The union’s head of research, Connie Mulder, claimed the message was a form of protest against policies such as affirmative action and employment equity. “The eyes of the world are currently on South Africa,” Mulder said, “and we must expose the deeper cracks in our society.”