Pretoria - The highly anticipated 2022 South African Sex Expo has suffered a setback following the removal of half of its advertising posters.
Despite this, the event organisers said everything was set and ready for the much-loved adult-themed educational spectacle, which started yesterday at Times Square in Menlyn, Pretoria east.
The organising company said it was dismayed that despite receiving the initial go-ahead from the City of Tshwane and purchasing stickers to place advertising posters displayed on street poles close to the venue, these were removed days before the four-day event.
According to the company, the posters had the advertising approval stickers provided two weeks prior to the event.
The company said despite this, it was informed by the metro that complaints were received from the public about the advertising and that, as a result, the posters were removed.
The company said it was unclear whether the posters were removed by the Council, associations, or by the Tshwane Metro Police in the area. However, the council were not allowing for further posters of the same design to be placed.
While the Expo organisers said they were working with the City to provide less provocative artwork for replacement posters in certain areas, they also received a complaint in the Johannesburg area about a billboard on Malibongwe Drive. Another mobile billboard in the Sandton area was vandalised during the week.
"In contrast to a few community complaints about the advertising, early ticket sales were at an all-time high and breaking previous records," expo organiser Tao Blignaut said.
“We are not sure if it’s due to the provocative advertising campaign or due to the clear desire that South Africans have to get out and have a good time, post months of Covid-19 restrictions.
“We understand conservative views and understand that sometimes it takes a bit of time for adults to relax and open up to certain topics of discussion, education and entertainment. We are looking forward to a fun and exciting event and invite those naysayers to join us and see what it’s all about.”
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro did not issue approval stickers for the event or commercial posters. He said they only issued such for auction posters.
Mashigo said the sticker system was literally phased out more than 20 years ago when the City started issuing tenders to appoint service providers to manage the function on its behalf.
He stressed that the Sex Expo organisers never engaged with the City's Outdoor Advertising Management Office as required for input on the creation of their posters, nor did they attempt to get approval to display their posters.
Most worryingly, he said, the posters were removed because they were displayed illegally and placed in the vicinity of The Glen High School and other roads such as Selikaats Causeway, where there was another school, as well as Lois Street.
"The organisers are clearly trying to pass the blame on the City for having removed their illegal posters when they went all out not to comply with the process," Mashigo added.
Pretoria News