WATCH | 2025 glory and grief - Springboks reign, GNU born, Gaza genocide, Meyiwa threats

From Gaza to the Eastern Cape, through courtrooms, commissions and the G20, 2025 delivered widespread conflict, questions of accountability, catastrophe and brief relief on the sports field.

Police accountability and commission testimony

Several damning allegations emerged during the three months the commission sat.

Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo testified about the so-called “Big Five cartel”, which he described as the only criminal cartel operating in the country. He made serious allegations that senior police officials were allegedly working with members of this cartel.

Among those named were Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and the head of organised crime, Richard Shibiri.

A former task team memberalso testified, detailing instructions allegedly given by Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). He said he did not act on the instruction, believing it did not follow proper channels and protocols.

Metro Police and alleged capture of EMPD

The focus then shifted to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), where allegations pointed to systemic rot within the criminal justice system in Gauteng.

It was alleged that businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala captured the EMPD, enabling him to use blue lights on private security vehicles to evade the law.

Testimony claimed Matlala entered into an unlawful agreement with EMPD, approved by then Director of Specialised Services Julius Mkhwanazi

The memorandum of understanding was described as fundamentally flawed and unlawful.

Unsubstantiated intelligence claims

Among the most controversial testimony were claims by Brown Mogotsi, alleging that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as well as King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, were working for the CIA.

These claims were not substantiated by evidence, and Mogotsi’s testimony was criticised for lacking corroboration.

Political killings task team fallout

Mkhwanazi also addressed the alleged movement of 121 PKTT case dockets from Durban to Pretoria, reportedly by Shadrack Sibiya, allegations Sibiya denied.

Sibiya later defended the disbandment of the PKTT, arguing it spent funds irregularly and should have been absorbed into the Serious and Violent Crime unit.

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu also defended his decision, saying it was a political one, constitutionally empowered, and issued on New Year’s Eve last year. He admitted senior police leadership had not been informed beforehand.

The committee is expected to conclude its work by the end of February, with possible further testimony from figures including Robert McBride and forensic investigator Paul O’ullivan.

Senzo Meyiwa murder trial developments

More than three years after proceedings began, the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial remains unresolved.

In 2025, after more than 50 witnesses, the state finally closed its case. Testimony included witnesses present at the house during the murder, police officers and ballistic experts, and evidence linking the five accused to the crime.

The defence has since opened its case, calling three witnesses, including Absalom Zungu, father f key state witness Constable Sizwe Zungu. Zungu senior disavowed a statement attributed to him, claiming police told him what to say.

Police also confirmed an investigation into a conspiracy to commit murder after intelligence suggested a plot to assassinate the presiding judge and prosecutors.

South Africa–US relations and global diplomacy

South Africa’s relationship with the United States remains strained and volatile.

Despite attempts to reset ties during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington, tensions persisted. The US continued promoting the false narrative of a “white genocide” in South Africa, while trade negotiations stalled and AGOA expired in September.

South Africa was excluded from early G20 talks under the US presidency but succeeded in securing a leaders’ declaration at the G20 Summit hosted in Johannesburg, reinforcing its credibility on the global stage.

Tribute: Remembering Tshidi Madia

Tshidi Madia was the jewel in Eyewitness News’ crown - a fearless journalist, mentor and leader.

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Our thoughts remain with her family, friends and loved ones.

A landmark year for South African Sport

2025 was a monumental year for South African sport.

Bafana Bafana qualified for their first FIFA World Cup in 24 years and will compete in the 2026 tournament. Orlando Pirates lifted the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, while Mamelodi Sundowns secured their eighth consecutive league title.

The Springboks finished the year as the world’s top-ranked team, winning 12 of 14 tests, including a record victory over New Zealand. The Springbok Women reached the World Cup playoffs for the first time, while the Junior Boks won their first world title in 13 years.

South Africa’s men’s cricket team claimed their first ICC titlesince 1998, while the women reached their first 50-over World Cup final. Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn won the men’s and women’s Comrades Marathons.

Global and local tragedies

In Australia, six people were killed in a knife attack at a Hanukkah gathering near Bondi Beach, a rare and deeply unsettling incident.

In Gaza, more than 70,000 people have been killed since October 7, 2023, with civilians making up the majority. A fragile ceasefire collapsed as Israel expanded strikes into Syria and Lebanon.

Closer to home, floods in the Eastern Cape claimed more than 40 lives and displaced entire communities, with recovery still ongoing.