The United Progressive People Alliance (UPPA) strongly condemns the alleged removal of its election campaign posters in Soshanguve Ward 11, an incident that has raised serious concerns about political tolerance, respect for democratic competition and the conduct of political party supporters ahead of the local government elections.

UPPA has been informed that an individual identified as David Seema, reportedly an African National Congress (ANC) member, was arrested by the South African Police Service in Rietgat in connection with the alleged removal of a UPPA election poster. The matter is registered under SAPS Case Number 221/10/2026, and the suspect is expected to appear before the Soshanguve Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 October 2026.

We emphasise that the matter is before the relevant authorities and that the allegations must be determined through due process. Nevertheless, the reported incident demands urgent attention and a clear message that political intolerance cannot be allowed to undermine our democracy.

South Africa fought long and hard for a democratic society in which political parties could compete freely, campaign openly and persuade voters without fear of intimidation or interference. It is therefore deeply concerning that, as parties exercise their democratic right to canvass for support, allegations of election campaign material being removed have emerged in Soshanguve Ward 11.

No political party owns the streets, the voters or the democratic space in which elections are contested. The ANC has no greater right to campaign than UPPA, and UPPA has no lesser right to display its election posters than any other registered political party.

If a political party believes in democracy, it must respect the right of its opponents to compete.

Election posters represent more than printed material on a street pole. They represent a party’s message, its candidates, its supporters and its right to ask the electorate for a mandate. Removing another party’s posters does not win votes, improve service delivery or solve the problems facing our communities. It undermines the very democratic principles that every political organisation claims to defend.

UPPA will not be intimidated, discouraged or silenced by conduct that interferes with our lawful campaign activities. We will continue to engage residents, present our policies and campaign for change in every ward we contest.

We also call on the ANC leadership to publicly reinforce the importance of political tolerance among its members and supporters. Political leaders have a responsibility to ensure that their supporters understand that an election is a contest of ideas, policies and leadership — not a contest of intimidation, provocation or the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials.

We call on the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to take note of this incident, assess the complaint in accordance with its mandate and applicable electoral rules, and ensure that all political parties are afforded a fair opportunity to campaign.

We further urge all political parties, candidates and supporters to respect one another, refrain from interfering with campaign materials and report any suspected electoral misconduct through the appropriate legal channels.

Our country cannot afford a return to a politics in which opponents are treated as enemies simply because they offer an alternative vision. Our communities need clean governance, quality basic services, accountability and solutions to the daily struggles of ordinary people. They do not need political parties fighting over posters while residents struggle with unemployment, water shortages, poor sanitation and failing municipal services.

The people must be free to choose their government without interference. That is the foundation of democracy, and no party should be allowed to undermine it.

UPPA will continue to build, fix and heal, and no act of political intolerance will divert us from our mission.

Media enquiries:

Abel Tau

Tshwane Mayoral Candidate and UPPA National Spokesperson

0712655040