Gauteng condemns damage to signage, streetlights near Nasrec ahead of G20

THE Gauteng Provincial Government has condemned what it described as “malicious and seemingly coordinated acts of vandalism” targeting newly revamped public infrastructure around Johannesburg on the eve of the G20 Leaders Summit.

- HOPE NTANZI

The G20 summit is expected to be held on November 22 to 23.

In a statement, government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the destruction of G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by reported armed assailants, as well as the damage to streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route, represented a “direct assault on our nation and its standing in the world”.

Mahlanga said the provincial government believes the incidents are part of a deliberate campaign of sabotage intended to undermine and tarnish the image of the province and the country as it prepares to host global leaders.

“This is not petty crime, but its 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.”