Gauteng Condemns Sabotage and Vandalism Ahead of G20 Summit in Johannesburg

Gauteng Condemns ‘Malicious’ Acts of Vandalism as G20 Summit Nears

With the eyes of the world soon turning to Johannesburg for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, the Gauteng Provincial Government has expressed outrage over what it describes as a “coordinated and deliberate” campaign of sabotage targeting newly upgraded public infrastructure around Nasrec.

The G20 Summit, scheduled for 22–23 November 2025, is one of the biggest diplomatic gatherings ever hosted by South Africa. But as preparations reach their final stretch, a string of attacks on streetlights, signage, and traffic signals has raised serious security and reputational concerns.

Vandalism Branded a ‘Deliberate Attempt to Tarnish the Nation’s Image’

According to government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga, the damageparticularly around the R55 route near Nasrecappears to be more than random vandalism. “This is not petty crime,” Mhlanga said firmly. “It’s a deliberate and malicious campaign designed to undermine and tarnish the image of our province and country as we prepare to welcome global leaders.”

Mhlanga described the destruction of G20 Summit signage and lighting infrastructure as a “direct assault on our nation and its standing in the world.” He added that authorities suspect the acts are connected to groups attempting to push negative narratives and sow instability ahead of the event.

Legal Action and Security Crackdown Underway

The province has vowed to respond with what Mhlanga called “the full and unrelenting might of the law.” Citing the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, he reminded the public that intentional damage to essential infrastructure can carry penalties of up to 30 years in prison.

He also warned that under the Act’s reverse onus clause, anyone caught with stolen infrastructure materials may be presumed guilty until proven otherwise.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi echoed this hard stance, confirming that security agencies had been mobilized to investigate what he called “acts of sabotage.”

“We are aware that some roguish elements are mobilising to cause chaos,” Lesufi said. “Law enforcement agencies will identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law.”

Gauteng Reaffirms Readiness to Host the World

Despite the incidents, the provincial government remains resolute that Johannesburg will rise to the occasion. The citylong a hub of diplomacy, culture, and commerceis preparing to host heads of state, ministers, and global delegates for discussions on trade, technology, and climate cooperation.

“The Gauteng province is ready, capable, and proud to host this landmark event,” Mhlanga said. “We will not allow the desperate actions of a few to jeopardise this critical national opportunity.”

Public Reaction: Frustration and Determination

On social media, South Africans expressed a mix of anger and disbelief over the vandalism. Many users called for harsher penalties for those found guilty, while others voiced concern about security readiness ahead of such a high-profile event.

Yet, there’s also a strong undercurrent of resilience. “They can break lights, but they can’t dim South Africa’s shine,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), echoing a sentiment shared by many proud Gautengers determined to see the summit succeed.

A Test of Readiness and Reputation

Hosting the G20 Summit is not just a logistical challengeit’s a symbolic moment for South Africa, the only African member of the group. With the vandalism now under investigation, authorities are working to ensure that the country’s reputation for hospitality, leadership, and resilience remains intact.

As Lesufi put it:

“This summit is a chance to showcase the best of who we are. And we will not let anyone take that away from us.”

{Source: IOL}

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