Gauteng condemns damage to signage, streetlights near Nasrec ahead of G20
Authorities have vowed swift, decisive action against vandals who are damaging the G20 Summit signage and infrastructure, warning perpetrators face up to 30 years in prison under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act.
Image: Independent Newspapers
The Gauteng Provincial Government has condemned what it described as “malicious and seemingly coordinated acts of vandalism” targeting newly revamped public infrastructure around Johannesburg on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The G20 summit is expected to be held on November 22 to 23, 2025.
In a statement, government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the destruction of G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by reported armed assailants, as well as the damage to streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route, represented a “direct assault on our nation and its standing in the world.”
Mahlanga said the provincial government believes the incidents are part of a deliberate campaign of sabotage intended to undermine and tarnish the image of the province and the country as it prepares to host global leaders.
''This is not petty crime, but it's a deliberate and malicious campaign of sabotage, designed to undermine and tarnish the image of our province and country as we prepare to welcome global leaders.''
Mhlanga said the acts were “inexcusable and vindictive actions, aligned and designed to consolidate the work of smear merchants who are promoting outlandish conspiracy theories and a certain negative narrative about the country.”
He added that the government viewed the matter in a serious light and would respond accordingly.
''We remind the perpetrators that the deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure is a serious criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, which carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.''
They also warned that anyone found in possession of stolen infrastructure material would be presumed guilty under the Act’s reverse onus provisions.
“The full and unrelenting might of the law will be brought to bear on all those found to be responsible.''
Premier Panyaza Lesufi said authorities were aware that “some roguish elements are mobilising to cause chaos” and confirmed that the provincial government was working closely with national security structures.
“We have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. We will identify, apprehend, and fully prosecute the perpetrators of this sabotage to the full extent of the law,” he said.
The Gauteng Provincial Government reaffirmed its readiness to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit, emphasising its commitment to ensuring a safe and successful event.
''The Gauteng province is ready, capable, and proud to host this landmark event, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and successful G20 Leaders' Summit that showcases the best of South Africa.''
“We will not allow the desperate actions of a few to jeopardise this critical national opportunity,” the statement concluded. “Our message is clear: there will be zero tolerance for any disruption or sabotaging of the G20 Summit, and any attempts will be met with a swift, decisive response.”
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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