2025 in review: A year of triumphs, trials and national reflection

As the calendar turns to the new year, South Africans pause to reflect on a year that was both turbulent and unforgettable. From political controversies and shocking crimes to moments of national pride and sporting triumphs, 2025 tested the nation’s resilience while also highlighting its achievements.

Debates, Fear and the Afrikaner Exodus One of the most polarising stories this year involved Afrikaner communities raising concerns about safety and perceived marginalisation. Online and in political circles, warnings of an alleged threat to Afrikaners - sometimes framed as “massacre rhetoric” - sparked intense debate. The conversation escalated internationally when US President Donald Trump weighed in, urging attention to the community’s plight.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside senior government officials, visited the White House to defend South Africa’s stance amid growing international attention. The delegation sought to counter narratives of marginalisation and reassure partners of the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens.

Diplomatic Highlights and Global Attention South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Summit, welcoming leaders from around the world to discuss global economic growth and cooperation. While the event showcased the country’s organisational and diplomatic capabilities, tensions emerged when US President Trump boycotted the summit, citing disagreements over trade and foreign policy.

GBV Declared a National Disaster In December, the government declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster following nationwide protests. Thousands of women dressed in black and some in purple, lay down for 15 minutes at noon to honour the estimated 15 women killed daily. NGOs warned that the declaration alone would not suffice, calling for tangible measures to protect women and girls.

Crime, Policing and Judiciary Controversies High-profile crimes and policing controversies shook the nation. The murder of DJ Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock in Johannesburg brought attention to the ongoing issue of hijacked buildings in the CBD.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made headlines in July, revealing alleged corruption and political interference within the police and judiciary at a heavily guarded press conference. Following this, President Ramaphosa suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, appointed Firoz Cachalia as interim minister and established the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, with reports due in three and six months.

Another tragic case that gripped the nation was the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, sparking calls for stronger child protection; his mother, Tiffany Meek, has been charged.

Economic Moves and Citizen Advocacy Government decisions also made headlines. Plans to raise South Africa’s VAT were officially scrapped, keeping the rate at 15%. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana had proposed staged increases to 15.5% in 2025 and 16% in 2026 to raise an estimated R72 billion. Following public backlash, political opposition and a high court suspension, the legislation was withdrawn - marking a historic moment where citizen and judicial pressure effectively postponed parts of the national budget.

Personal Lives in the Public Eye Despite hopes that South Africa’s golden couple, Siya and Rachel Kolisi, might reconcile, rumours now suggest that Siya has a new girlfriend, also named Rachel. Meanwhile, Rachel has focused on healing and co-parenting, while also launching her book Falling Forward this month.  

Sporting Highs 2025 was a landmark year for South African sport. The Springboks defended their Rugby Championship title and completed an unbeaten November tour of the UK and Europe, including their first win in Dublin since 2012 and a 73-0 victory over Wales. Hooker Malcolm Marx was named World Rugby Player of the Year.

The Proteas men’s cricket team won their first-ever ICC World Test Championship, while the Proteas women reached the T20 World Cup final. In soccer, Bafana Bafana competed in AFCON 2025 and 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Banyana Banyana reached the WAFCON quarter-finals.

Tragic Loss Abroad The nation mourned the death of former police minister and South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who was found outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris in late September. French authorities reported that he fell from the 22nd floor.

South Africans Tricked into Foreign Conflict 17 South African men and two from Botswana were allegedly lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The men were reportedly recruited in July by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma. She allegedly told the men they would be training as bodyguards for the party or attending a personal development course. 

High-Profile Attacks on Anti-Corruption Investigators Marius van der Merwe, a security manager and Madlanga Commission witness, was shot dead outside his Brakpan home, hours after planning to expose alleged “state” involvement in illegal mining. Van der Merwe was killed shortly after implicating suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi in criminal activities at the commission. He claimed Mkhwanazi had ordered officers to clean a murder scene and dispose of a body during a 2022 operation involving illegal mining and bribe offers.

Operation Dudula and the March and March movement repeatedly targeted South African public hospitals, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, blocking foreign nationals, and at times South Africans, from receiving care. By demanding identification and turning away patients.