As South Africa bids farewell to 2025, the year will be remembered as one of profound turmoil in the criminal justice system, relentless gender-based violence, political instability, economic challenges and strained international relations. From explosive allegations of corruption at the highest levels to nationwide protests forcing landmark policy shifts, the nation grappled with systemic failures while demanding greater accountability.
Bombshell Allegations Rock the Justice System
The year’s defining moment came on 6 July when KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and others of ties to organised crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi alleged interference in investigations, including the disbandment of a task team probing political killings, and links to figures like businessman Brown Mogotsi and accused underworld player Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
President Cyril Ramaphosa responded swiftly, placing Mchunu on special leave and establishing the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Hearings began in September after delays, dominating headlines with testimony revealing alleged infiltration by drug cartels and protection rackets. A parallel parliamentary ad hoc committee also probed the claims. The commission delivered an interim report to Ramaphosa in December, paving the way for potential criminal referrals in 2026.
Progress in High-Profile Court Cases Amid Delays
Courtrooms offered glimpses of justice in long-stalled cases. In November, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande were extradited from Eswatini after abandoning their appeal, facing charges alongside five others for the 2023 murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. The case, involving conspiracy and firearms offences, highlighted cross-border crime networks.
Other trials dragged on, including the decade-old Senzo Meyiwa murder case, where the state closed its evidence after years of proceedings. Underworld figure Nafiz Modack received a corruption sentence following a plea deal exposing police bribery.
Gender-Based Violence Declared a National Disaster
2025 proved brutally relentless for women and children, with horrific cases reigniting public fury. Nationwide protests, culminating in a “G20 Women’s Shutdown” on 21 November coinciding with South Africa’s G20 presidency, forced the government to classify gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster. The declaration unlocked emergency resources under the Disaster Management Act, marking a hard-won victory for activists amid one of the world’s highest femicide rates.
Political Upheaval and Economic Strain
The Government of National Unity faced severe tests, including unprecedented postponements of the national budget due to disputes over a proposed VAT increase. Initial plans for a 2% hike were scaled back and ultimately scrapped amid coalition tensions and public backlash, with the final “Budget 3.0” tabled in May prioritising austerity.
Internal party instability saw suspensions and demotions, including in the MK Party and DA.
Natural Disasters and Rising Violence
Severe floods in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, storms in Gauteng and cold fronts underscored climate vulnerabilities. Gun violence surged, dubbed “the year of the gun” by experts, with notable losses including DJ Warras, killed despite protection orders.
Strained Ties with the United States
Relations with the US deteriorated sharply. President Donald Trump imposed 30% tariffs on South African goods, boycotted the historic G20 Summit in Johannesburg – the first on African soil – and excluded South Africa from the 2026 event over unfounded claims of Afrikaner persecution.
As 2025 closes, South Africans reflect on a year that exposed deep cracks in institutions but also sparked demands for reform. With inquiries ongoing and elections looming, the push for accountability continues into 2026.