Gauteng Premier Lesufi
Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has strongly condemned what he calls malicious and coordinated acts of vandalism targeting newly revamped public infrastructure in Johannesburg on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. In a media statement released on Sunday, 9 November 2025, the provincial government described the incidents as a direct assault on the nation, designed to undermine South Africa’s image as it prepares to host global leaders from 22 to 23 November 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Families and businesses in Gauteng, already dealing with service disruptions from past events like load shedding, are worried about potential chaos, but officials promise zero tolerance and a swift crackdown. As the province gears up for this landmark event – the first time South Africa chairs the G20 – security is being ramped up to ensure safety and success.
The vandalism hits close to home for many, with damaged streetlights, traffic signals, and G20 signage affecting daily commutes and raising fears of broader sabotage. With no arrests yet, police are calling for public tips to catch those responsible, highlighting the need for community help in keeping the summit smooth.
Details of the Vandalism Incidents
The Gauteng Provincial Government denounces and deeply condemns the malicious and seemingly coordinated acts of vandalism targeting the recently revamped public infrastructure around the City of Johannesburg on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
These mischievous and cowardly acts of vandalism, which include the destruction of newly installed G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by reported armed assailants and the damage to streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route, represent a direct assault on our nation and its standing in the world.
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.
These inexcusable and vindictive actions are aligned and designed to consolidate the work of smear merchants who are promoting outlandish conspiracy theories and a certain negative narrative about the country.
The provincial government views this criminality in a serious light and will respond accordingly.
We remind the perpetrators that this deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure is a severe criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, which specifically protects such assets, and the perpetrators face the prospect of imprisonment for up to 30 years.
Additionally, anyone discovered in possession of stolen infrastructure material will be assumed guilty and have to prove their innocence due to reverse onus clauses. The full and unrelenting might of the law will be brought to bear on all those found to be responsible.
“We are aware that some roguish elements are mobilising to cause chaos, and we are working in full cooperation with all 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,” said Premier Lesufi.
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. 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.
ENDS/
The damages were spotted along key routes near Nasrec, a major venue for the summit. No one has been hurt, but the acts have sparked alarm over possible organised efforts to disrupt the event.
Legal Ramifications and Government Response
Under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, damaging essential infrastructure like this carries heavy penalties, with jail time up to 30 years. The government is treating it as sabotage, not just random crime, and has flipped the burden of proof – anyone caught with stolen materials must show they are innocent.
Premier Lesufi and his team are working hand-in-hand with national security to probe the incidents. Police are urging folks with info to come forward, promising quick action. This zero-tolerance stance aims to keep the summit safe, with extra patrols and checks in place.
Spokespeople Elijah Mhlanga and Sizwe Pamla are on hand for queries, stressing that Gauteng is set to shine on the world stage despite these setbacks.
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