GCC sues Balopi over billboard company debt, illegal operation
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 2, 2026 06:00
The case was filed on February 11, 2026, with the council seeking a court order compelling Balopi’s company to remove what it describes as “illegal and unauthorised” advertising billboards across Gaborone. On the other case, the GCC alleges that Balopi’s company owes over P2 million for its failure to pay for the legal billboard operations. The revelations emerged after the council conducted an advertising inventory exercise throughout the city. The purpose of the audit was to verify the legality of outdoor advertising structures. The council argues that the billboards were erected without proper authorisation and are therefore in violation of city planning regulations. According to court papers, the structures in question are located in several high-profile areas.
These include sites in front of the Ledumang level crossing, Northgate Mall, the Mandela/Noko Road intersection along the A1 Road, and in front of Plot 65956 in Setlhoa, Block 10. Through its attorney, Khumomotse Attorneys, the GCC maintains that the structures contravene applicable planning laws and by-laws. “We want an order directing the defendant to remove the said structure within a period determined by this Court,” the court papers state. Furthermore, the documents reveal that between September 22 and October 8, 2025, “the council conducted an extensive advertising inventory exercise throughout the city.” The purpose of this audit was to verify the legality of outdoor advertising structures. “During this process, Native Outdoor was reportedly advised to submit documentation proving lawful authority to erect and operate the billboards.
This included providing a valid ground lease or landowner consent, proof of up-to-date rates payments, and approved planning permissions,” the court papers reads. However, the council contends that the company failed to provide the required documentation. Consequently, the GCC argues that the structures remain unauthorised developments, in direct contravention of established planning regulations.
In addition, the council states that on November 12, 2025, it issued a written notice instructing Native Outdoor to remove a one-sided digital advertising structure within seven days. According to the council, the notice was not complied with. Meanwhile, it has emerged that the council is preparing another legal action involving the same company. Sources indicate that the matter relates to over P2 million allegedly owed to GCC for legal billboard operations. In an interview on Wednesday, GCC secretary Daniel Katjinotjiwa confirmed the legal proceedings. “It is true, we have taken Native Outdoor to court over two issues. It is not the only company we have taken to court. Our attorney is still filing other cases over illegal billboards because owners have failed to comply. We have 74 companies that we have to file cases against,” he said. Importantly, Katjinotjiwa dismissed allegations of political motivation. “This is not a political witch hunt. Our clients have failed to comply or communicate with us, hence this action,” he emphasised, adding that all affected parties were duly served with court papers.
However, Balopi has strongly pushed back. When contacted for comment, he questioned the timing of the lawsuit. “This looks like a political witch hunt. Why is this issue coming out now when we are going to Palapye for the BDP retreat? We are in talks with the GCC and I am shocked that you are saying it took us to court while it has not served us,” he said. He further claimed that some documents related to the matter surfaced on social media before reaching his company officially. “We are still objecting the money we purportedly owe as there are no supporting invoices. We have not been given the invoices yet,” added Balopi. As the matter heads to court, the case is likely to spark both legal and political debate, particularly given the high-profile figures involved and the broader enforcement drive against unauthorised billboards in the capital, Gaborone.