The South African government says if there is any imminent threat of a terrorist attack, they will be the first issue a warning.

The statement, issued by the Presidency of South Africa, follows a warning by the U.S. Embassy of a possible terror attack in Sandton, Johannesburg over the weekend.

The embassy advised its staff to avoid large gatherings and crowds in Sandton this weekend.

The presidency statement reads ‘it is the responsibility of the South African security forces to ensure that all people in our country feel safe’.

The statement says the terror alert by the U.S. government is part of their ‘standard communication to its citizens’.

The presidency says that law enforcement agencies monitor and assess threats and act on them where needed to ensure safety.

Saturday sees the return of the much-anticipated Johannesburg Pride, the first since the Covid pandemic. The march will be hosted in central Sandton.

The organisers of the event said on Twitter last night: ”The Johannesburg Pride team is aware of the information released by the U.S. Embassy. We will release a statement in due course.”

pic.twitter.com/7s80JnTFTs

— Johannesburg Pride (@JhbPride) October 26, 2022

Sandton City shopping mall also issued a statement.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and have appropriate security measures in place in and around Sandton City, including Nelson Mandela Square, offices, hotels and Sandton Convention Centre.”

(1/2) Sandton City is aware of the notification by the US Embassy of a possible terrorist attack in the greater Sandton area, planned for the 29th and the 30th October 2022. The safety of all our shoppers, tenants, service providers and stakeholders is of paramount importance…

— Sandton City (@SandtonCity) October 26, 2022