Key Takeaways:
- The year 2025 was marked by significant events in South Africa, including protests, court cases, and allegations of corruption and crime.
- The country’s criminal justice system was under scrutiny, with senior police officials accusing politicians of shielding crime syndicates.
- The Madlanga Commission and the Ad hoc Committee were established to investigate allegations of corruption and interference in the police force.
- The year saw several high-profile court cases, including the extradition of the Ndimande brothers and the sentencing of underworld figure Nafiz Modack.
- The government faced challenges, including a postponed National Budget and allegations of corruption against senior leaders.
- Gender-based violence and femicide remained a major concern, with the government eventually declaring it a national disaster.
- The country experienced severe weather events, including floods and storms, and said goodbye to several notable individuals.
Introduction to 2025 in South Africa
In 2025, South Africa was plagued by protests, street clashes with police, and a struggling criminal justice system. The year began with a sense of unease, as the country grappled with the consequences of corruption and crime. The police force was under scrutiny, with senior officials accusing politicians of shielding crime syndicates. This led to a series of investigations, including the Madlanga Commission and the Ad hoc Committee, which aimed to uncover the truth behind the allegations. As the year progressed, it became clear that 2025 would be a defining moment in the country’s history, with the justice system, politics, and society as a whole facing significant challenges.
The Mkhwanazi Allegations and Their Impact
The allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6th sent shockwaves through the country. Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of corruption, claiming that evidence linked the minister to unauthorized communications with an associate of accused underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. These allegations sparked a series of events, including the establishment of the Madlanga Commission and the Ad hoc Committee, which aimed to investigate the claims of corruption and interference in the police force. The inquiries dominated headlines for months, keeping the country glued to its screens as it waited for answers and accountability.
Court Cases and the Justice System
The year 2025 was marked by several high-profile court cases, including the extradition of the Ndimande brothers from Eswatini, which brought renewed hope to the families of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane. The Senzo Meyiwa trial continued to drag on, with the state finally closing its case after three years of evidence. The sentencing of underworld figure Nafiz Modack to 10 years for corruption offered a moment of relief, following a bombshell plea deal from former police officer Kolindren Govender. These cases highlighted the challenges facing the justice system, including corruption and delays, and raised questions about who really controls the criminal justice system in South Africa.
Politics and Leadership
The year 2025 was also marked by significant events in the world of politics. Senior leaders were suspended and removed amid corruption allegations and charges of abuse of power. The DA deputy minister, Andrew Whitfield, was removed from his position in June, while Dion George was dismissed as Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Minister. Senzo Mchunu was suspended as Police Minister following Mkhwanazi’s corruption claims. The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) also faced instability, with the party’s former secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, demoted to an ordinary member. These changes highlighted the challenges facing the government, including corruption and infighting, and raised questions about the future of the country’s leadership.
National Financial Turmoil and the Budget
The first year of the Government of National Unity was marked by high-stakes conflict, including a postponed National Budget. The budget was postponed three times, a first in democratic South Africa, due to legal challenges from political opponents. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana faced opposition to his attempt to introduce a 0.5% VAT increase, which was eventually dropped. The budget was finally tabled at the end of May, but the delay had significant implications for the country’s economy and raised questions about the government’s ability to manage the nation’s finances.
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
The year 2025 was a brutal one for women and children in South Africa, with several high-profile cases of gender-based violence and femicide. The rape of seven-year-old Cwecwe horrified the nation, and the names of Joshlin Smith and Olorato Mongale became painful symbols of lives lost. The government was eventually forced to declare gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster in November, following intense protests and public outcry. This move was seen as a step in the right direction, but many argued that it was too little, too late, and that more needs to be done to address the root causes of these crimes.
Weather Warnings and Natural Disasters
The country faced several major weather events in 2025, including floods, storms, and cold fronts. The floods in Kwa-Zulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape caused significant damage and loss of life, while the storms in Gauteng and Mpumalanga pushed climate change into sharp focus. These events highlighted the need for greater investment in disaster preparedness and response, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of climate change.
In Memoriam and the Year in Review
As the year came to a close, South Africans said goodbye to several notable individuals, including actor Presley Chweneyagae, former minister Nathi Mthethwa, and former SARS commissioner Oupa Magashula. The deaths of DJ Warras and other victims of crime also raised questions about the effectiveness of protection orders and the ability of the justice system to keep citizens safe. The year 2025 was a challenging one for South Africa, marked by significant events and struggles. However, it was also a year of resilience and hope, as citizens demanded answers and accountability from their leaders and worked towards a better future.
The SA-US Relationship and International Relations
The country’s relationship with the United States deteriorated sharply in 2025, with President Cyril Ramaphosa leading a delegation aimed at resetting relations. However, the US President Donald Trump threatened South Africa with tariffs and boycotted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, stealing the country’s thunder as the summit was held for the first time on African soil. The US also excluded South Africa from participating in the next G20 proceedings, a matter that remains in contention. This development raised questions about the future of the country’s international relations and its ability to navigate the complex web of global politics.
