Lesufi warns 'dark forces' tried to sabotage Tshwane ahead of G20 Summit

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has blamed what he called “dark forces that try extremely hard” to pull the country backwards after massive power outages in Tshwane ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

A widespread outage hit the city on Wednesday morning, just days before the summit this weekend.

Lesufi was speaking at a state-of-readiness briefing for law enforcement on Wednesday, 19 November, at the FNB Park and Ride space in Johannesburg. 

The event was led by acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, joined by his deputies Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero.

The parade formed part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit, scheduled to be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre from November 22 to 23.

Lesufi expressed confidence that the province and the city were fully prepared to host the high-stakes event and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all attendees.

“I can confirm from the planning, the budgeting and the sessions you have held that there is only one objective: to ensure that all South Africans are not only protected, but that those arriving in our country can feel our comfort and hospitality,” he said.

“From local government, provincial government and national government, we have been meeting for the last five months every Tuesday to prepare for this day. Today, we are not only demonstrating our capabilities and abilities; we are sending a very strong message that when South Africans are called to action, they rise to the occasion.”

Lesufi said there were those who sought to damage the country’s reputation.

“Unfortunately, there are those dark forces that try extremely hard – when the country is assigned a task – to pull the country backwards,” he said. 

“We have seen certain incidents that cannot be explained: power outages at strategic moments and at strategic institutions.”

He said authorities were ready to respond to any eventuality.

“Every time they strike, we repair. Every time they think they can disrupt, we restore. This is the capability, the resources and the skills we have amassed to ensure that the event goes ahead undisturbed.”

Wednesday’s outage plunged the Union Buildings and parts of the Pretoria CBD into darkness. However power was later restored. 

The City of Tshwane said a team of technicians had been dispatched to investigate the cause. 

Affected areas included Groenkloof, Muckleneuk, Arcadia, Sunnyside, Berea, UNISA, the Union Buildings and sections of Pretoria Central.

Last week, Lesufi said there would be no water or electricity shortages during the G20 Summit, adding that the City had intensified its service delivery operations. 

He said the city’s water entity, Johannesburg Water assured the provincial government that supply would remain stable throughout the event.

“This confidence is grounded in Rand Water’s confirmation of an uninterrupted bulk supply for the entire period, bolstered by our comprehensive operational plan,” he said.

“We have proactively deployed dedicated maintenance teams along key corridors, activated contingencies including battery backups and 24/7 site security, and have water tankers on standby to respond to any localised issues.”

He also confirmed that a comprehensive energy plan had been implemented to ensure uninterrupted power during the summit.

“All primary electrification for key venues and corridors is complete, with final minor works on track for completion,” he said.

The plan includes high-mast solar lighting for safety and emergency generators at critical sites, including OR Tambo International Airport, the ICC and key hotels.

“This integrated effort, in collaboration with COGTA and the Department of Infrastructure Development, not only ensures energy stability but also incorporates beautification and safety measures. Supported by Eskom, we will continue to monitor the energy supply across the province,” Lesufi previously said.

IOL