News spread rapidly and people flocked to view the billboard for themselves.
Internet websites were full of pictures of it.
The billboard payoff line reads: “Just remember your country still needs you – come home at election time and vote for freedom.”
Soon the phone lines were buzzing. Which organisation or NGO was responsible for the billboard? And how long would it remain standing proud, its cheerful orange and yellow background reminding destitute and discouraged Zimbabweans that nothing lasts forever.
Just over a week ago, time also ran out for the billboard. The provocative message was torn down in the dead of night, and no one has yet claimed responsibility.
A flurry of phone calls. More pics of the missing billboard criss-crossing cyberspace. The forlorn, empty structure yielded no clues.
But all was not lost. Zimbabweans have a reputation for tenacity. After years of economic hardship and turmoil they know how to “make a plan”.
On Tuesday a small team of employees from Red Dot Branding, the company commissioned to flight the billboard, arrived at the site to replace the missing message.
Rumour has it that someone tipped off the ANC-dominated Musina Town Council, which then summoned the police.
At lunchtime uniformed police, accompanied by nine soldiers in a troop carrier, arrived and ordered the team off the site. The cars of the Mayor and a town councillor were parked next to a police vehicle during the proceedings.
Two Red Dot Branding employees were handcuffed and taken to the Musina police station. The arrests were only confirmed by Captain Makoki, the officer in charge, when journalist Geoff Hill, who happened to be in the area at the time, told him he had witnessed the entire event.
The South African media had a field day. “Armed police and soldiers swoop on 2 poster boys armed with glue”, announced a popular radio station.
Outdoor Network director Bill Basson said: “We have a contract with the client and are concerned that we’ve been unable to flight our client’s message. Whoever is interfering with the billboard is doing so on private property. Anyone who has an issue with the advertisement should phone us so that we can collectively address their concerns.” – SW Radio Africa
Post published in: News