The Gauteng Provincial Government has condemned what it calls “malicious and coordinated acts of vandalism” targeting newly upgraded public infrastructure across Johannesburg, just days before the G20 Leaders’ Summit kicks off.
South Africa is set to host the global gathering in Johannesburg this month, where it was expected to hand over the G20 presidency to the United States. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has said no government officials from Washington will attend the event, a move that has already stirred political debate.
G20 SUMMIT SIGNAGE VANDALISED IN JOHANNESBURG
Gauteng government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said several incidents, including the destruction of newly installed G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by armed assailants and the damaging of streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route, were not random acts of crime.
“This is not petty crime; it is 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,” said Mhlanga.
“These inexcusable and vindictive actions appear to be aligned with efforts by smear merchants who are spreading conspiracy theories and pushing a negative narrative about South Africa.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi echoed the sentiment, saying authorities were aware of “roguish elements” attempting to sow chaos ahead of the high-profile summit.
“We have directed law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. We will identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators of this sabotage to the full extent of the law,” Lesufi said.
RESIDENTS QUESTION CITY’S LAST-MINUTE UPGRADES
The acts of vandalism come amid growing criticism from residents who accuse the City of Johannesburg of only fixing long-standing infrastructure problems because of the upcoming summit.
Once known as South Africa’s glittering economic hub, Johannesburg — the so-called City of Gold — has in recent years been plagued by rolling power cuts, water outages, crime, and crumbling infrastructure. Many residents say the city’s facelift ahead of the G20 is long overdue but fear it may not last beyond the international spotlight.
