Image Source: News24
World – The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has warned that it will take firm action against those behind what it called “malicious and seemingly coordinated” vandalism of newly refurbished infrastructure and signage ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
The two-day global event is set to take place in the city from 22 to 23 November 2025, drawing heads of state and international delegates to Gauteng.
The province said these incidents were a direct attempt to tarnish South Africa’s image before hosting one of the world’s most significant gatherings.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the government was working closely with national security structures to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of all guests. He said firm action would be taken against those behind the acts of sabotage.
“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,” Lesufi said.
Vandalism Threatens G20 Summit Preparations
Authorities said the latest acts of vandalism were part of a deliberate effort to disrupt the province’s preparations for the upcoming summit.
Damaged streetlights, traffic signals, and G20 signage near the Nasrec precinct have raised concerns about safety and security in the run-up to the international event.
“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,” the provincial government said.
The GPG added that the attacks were not random but part of a broader attempt to undermine confidence in South Africa’s ability to host major global gatherings. It said the province would continue strengthening law enforcement visibility to deter future incidents.
“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,” it said.
The province warned those responsible that severe legal consequences await anyone found guilty. Officials said all relevant legislation would be enforced to protect state assets.
“We remind the perpetrators that this deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure is a severe criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015,” the GPG said.
Trump Questions South Africa’s Credibility to Host G20
The warning from the GPG followed remarks by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who questioned South Africa’s suitability to host the summit and declared that no US officials would attend.
In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump said South Africa should not be hosting the event and claimed that Afrikaners were being killed and their land and farms illegally confiscated — allegations that were previously and repeatedly denied by the South African government.
“It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa. Afrikaners (People who are descended from Dutch settlers, and also French and German immigrants) are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated.”
“No U.S. Government Official will attend as long as these Human Rights abuses continue. I look forward to hosting the 2026 G20 in Miami, Florida!” Trump wrote.
In response, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued a statement rejecting the claims and reaffirming the country’s commitment to inclusivity and global cooperation.
“The South African Government wishes to state, for the record, that the characterisation of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group is ahistorical. South Africa’s focus remains on its positive global contributions.”
“Drawing on our own journey from racial and ethnic division to democracy, our nation is uniquely positioned to champion within the G20 a future of genuine solidarity, where shared prosperity bridges deep inequalities,” the department said.
DIRCO further clarified that there was no factual basis for the claims made in Trump’s post and reaffirmed its confidence in South Africa’s ability to host the summit successfully.
