The Gauteng Provincial Government has condemned what it describes as malicious and coordinated acts of vandalism targeting newly upgraded public infrastructure across Johannesburg, just days before the start of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
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 indicated that no government officials from Washington will attend the event.
Gauteng government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the 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, amount to a direct attack on the country’s image.
“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.”
Echoing his remarks, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said authorities were aware of attempts by “roguish elements” to disrupt preparations for the summit and that security forces were on high alert.
“We have directed our 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.
The vandalism comes amid criticism from residents who accuse the City of Johannesburg of only fixing long-standing infrastructure problems because of the upcoming G20 Summit.
Once celebrated as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg, often dubbed the City of Gold, has in recent years struggled with persistent power and water outages, high crime rates, and deteriorating infrastructure, issues that have eroded confidence in the city’s governance and public services.
