Johannesburg: The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has condemned the ‘malicious and seemingly coordinated’ acts of vandalism targeting revamped infrastructure and signage ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. The summit is scheduled to take place in the city from 22 to 23 November 2025.

According to South African Government News Agency, the provincial government is aware of certain elements mobilizing to create chaos and is cooperating fully with national security structures. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasized in a statement that law enforcement agencies have been directed to conduct thorough investigations to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators to the full extent of the law.

Recent incidents of vandalism occurred just a week after a man was arrested for alleged trespassing at the Nasrec venue, where the summit will be held. The vandalism includes the destruction of newly installed G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by reported armed assailants and damage to streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route. The provincial government views these acts as a direct assault on the nation’s standing in the world and a deliberate campaign to undermine the country’s image.

The provincial government has warned potential perpetrators that it will respond ‘accordingly’ to these actions. The destruction of essential infrastructure is considered a severe criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, potentially resulting in imprisonment for up to 30 years. Additionally, those found in possession of stolen infrastructure material will face a reverse onus, having to prove their innocence.

The government remains committed to ensuring a ‘safe, secure and successful G20 Leaders’ Summit that showcases the best of South Africa’. It has assured that there will be zero tolerance for any disruption or sabotage attempts during the summit, promising a swift and decisive response to any such actions.