Author: NationWatch

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reflected on 2024 as a year of change and progress in South Africa while outlining priorities for 2025 in his New Year message. The year marked 30 years of South Africa’s democracy, celebrated on 27 April, and included the country’s seventh democratic elections on 29 May. The elections produced no outright majority, leading to the establishment of a Government of National Unity (GNU) comprising ten political parties, committed to growing an inclusive economy, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and strengthening state capacity to deliver services. Ramaphosa noted improvements in the economy, with more South South Africans finding…

South Africa’s judiciary experienced several historic milestones in 2024, including the country’s first judicial impeachments in the post-apartheid era. In February, Parliament voted overwhelmingly to remove Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe and Gauteng High Court Judge Nkola Motata. Their removals were formalised in March by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The impeachments followed a lengthy process, including 15 years of litigation and a last-minute court case by Hlophe, demonstrating the constitutional mechanisms for holding judges accountable. Hlophe quickly returned to public life as a Member of Parliament for the MK Party, which in the May elections displaced the Economic Freedom Fighters…

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has praised Eskom for reaching a milestone of 272 consecutive days without load shedding across South Africa. Speaking in Pretoria while outlining the implementation of the energy action plan, Ramokgopa noted that as of December 23, Eskom had achieved its longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years. “On December 23, we are recording another milestone in that we are experiencing the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years,” Ramokgopa said. He clarified that the milestone marks progress toward ending load shedding, rather than a celebration of its absence. Load…

What a year 2024 has been for South African athletes across all sporting codes — from football and rugby to tennis, mixed martial arts, athletics, and netball — as they shone brightly on the global stage. With only a few weeks left until 2025, Sunday World reflects on some of the most remarkable achievements by South African sports stars this year. Dricus du Plessis Makes UFC History Mixed Martial Artist Dricus du Plessis became the first South African to win a UFC title when he defeated American Sean Strickland by split decision in January. The victory crowned him the UFC…

South African rugby is in a strong position following a year of rebuilding, with the Springboks maintaining an 85% win record across 2023 and 2024. Under coach Rassie Erasmus, the team has leveraged momentum from their World Cup success, aiming for consistent performance and a peak at the 2027 World Cup. Erasmus, who has been involved in South African rugby for 27 years in various capacities, has emphasized avoiding complacency and ensuring alignment between players, coaches, administrators, and clubs. The Springboks’ 2024 season included 11 wins in 13 Tests, with the team finishing at the top of the World Rugby…

South Africa’s 2024 general election marked a historic shift when the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority for the first time since 1994. A new book, Election 2024, South Africa: Countdown to Coalition, edited by Collette Schulz-Herzenberg of Stellenbosch University and Roger Southall of the University of the Witwatersrand, explores the implications of this political upheaval. The election led to the formation of a coalition government, combining the ANC with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and eight smaller parties. Voter turnout among the eligible population fell sharply to 41%, highlighting widespread disillusionment with the political process. Despite these challenges, the…

Durban — South African Revenue Services (SARS) officials, accompanied by police, raided properties owned by businesswoman and Royal AM Football Club owner Shauwn Mkhize in Durban and Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday afternoon. The operation targeted Mkhize’s La Lucia residence in Durban and the Royal AM clubhouse, Royal Ranch, near Maqongqo in Pietermaritzburg. Locksmiths were on-site to assist with access. SARS said the raids aimed to secure assets and retrieve documents linked to an outstanding tax debt of nearly R40 million. Investigators sought employee records, including contracts, pay slips, payroll details, and tax returns. Mkhize is alleged to owe R37 915 549…

South Africa has submitted evidence to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday. The document, described as a “memorial,” reportedly contains more than 750 pages of text and over 4,000 pages of supporting exhibits and annexes. It aims to show that Israel has violated the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza. “The evidence will show that undergirding Israel’s genocidal acts is the special intent to commit genocide, a failure by Israel to prevent incitement to…

At the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), Shaka iLembe emerged as the biggest winner, securing 12 awards and cementing its status as a standout production in South African entertainment. The awards ceremony, held on 26 October 2024, recognized excellence across film, television, and digital content in South Africa. Shaka iLembe dominated key categories, impressing judges with its production quality, acting, and storytelling. The full winners’ list was announced during the event, celebrating achievements in acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and more. Shaka iLembe’s success reflects the growing talent and investment in South African television and film. The awards…

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel have announced their decision to divorce after eight years of marriage. The couple shared the news on social media, stating that the decision came after “much reflection and open conversations.” The couple, who have two children together, are also guardians to Kolisi’s younger siblings. In a joint statement on Instagram, they said: “We have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us. While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain…