Yearly Wrap | Stories that defined SA in 2025

South Africa in 2025 was marked by political upheaval, high-profile court cases, and a national reckoning with crime and gender-based violence. From allegations of political interference in the police to devastating weather events, the year presented significant challenges for the nation.

Mkhwanazi’s Bombshell Allegations

Explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6th revealed cracks within the criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of wrongdoing.

He alleged that evidence found on the phone of accused underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala linked the minister to unauthorized communications through an associate, Brown Mogotsi. Mkhwanazi further stated that law enforcement and politicians were aiding drug cartels, particularly in Gauteng.

Corruption Consequences Come Home

The allegations prompted two inquiries: a judicial commission and a parliamentary ad hoc committee. The Madlanga Commission began proceedings in September, followed by the Ad hoc Committee in October. These inquiries dominated headlines for months.

Criminal Cases in Court

The extradition of the Ndimande brothers from Eswatini brought renewed hope in the case of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane’s murders. The Senzo Meyiwa trial, over a decade after the football star’s death, saw the state close its case after three years of evidence, paving the way for the defense.

Underworld figure Nafiz Modack received a 10-year sentence for corruption, following a plea deal from former police officer Kolindren Govender, who confessed to shielding Modack in exchange for R150,000 in bribes.

The Political Leadership Revolving Door

Several senior leaders faced suspension and removal amid corruption allegations and abuse of power charges. DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield was removed from his position in June, and Dion George was dismissed as Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Minister after reporting DA party leader John Steenhuisen for alleged misuse of a party credit card.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was suspended following Mkhwanazi’s corruption claims. The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) also experienced instability, with former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu demoted and parliamentary Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele replaced by Des van Rooyen in November. Later that month, party president Jacob Zuma reinstated Makhubele and suspended his deputy, John Hlophe. Brumelda Zuma was sworn in as a parliamentary MP in early December, replacing her sister, Duduzile Zuma.

National Financial Turmoil

The first year of the Government of National Unity was marked by high-stakes conflict. The National Budget was postponed three times, a first for democratic South Africa. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana faced legal challenges following an attempt to introduce a 0.5% VAT increase.

Budget 3.0 was finally tabled at the end of May.

Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

For women and children, 2025 was a brutal year. The rape of seven-year-old Cwecwe reignited anger over gender-based violence. The names Joshlin Smith and Olorato Mongale became symbols of lives lost in a country grappling with widespread violence against women and children.

By November, protests intensified to the point that the government declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster.

Weather Warnings as Storms Wreak Havoc Countrywide

The country faced several major weather events, including floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, and storms in Gauteng and Mpumalanga in September. Cold fronts also brought freezing conditions, highlighting the impact of climate change.

In Memoriam

South Africans mourned the loss of several notable individuals, including actor Presley Chweneyagae, former minister Nathi Mthethwa, and former SARS commissioner Oupa Magashula. The shooting death of DJ Warras in the Joburg CBD raised concerns about the effectiveness of protection orders, as he had secured five prior to his murder.

Security specialist Mike Bolhuis noted a more than 10% increase in killings, calling 2025 “the year of the gun.”

SA-US Relationship Hits the Rocks

The country’s relationship with the United States deteriorated sharply. President Cyril Ramaphosa led a delegation to reset relations and address false allegations of white Afrikaner oppression. However, US President Donald Trump threatened South Africa with tariffs and boycotted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, held for the first time on African soil. He also excluded South Africa from future G20 proceedings, a matter currently in contention.

These events charted the country’s struggle with crime, corruption, violence, and loss, while also demonstrating a demand for answers and accountability.