Reviewing 2024: A Year Of Transformation And Challenge

2024: Transformation and Challenges

As 2024 draws to a close, South Africa reflects on a year marked by significant political shifts, social challenges, cultural milestones, and infrastructure incidents. These transformative events showcased both our resilience and our ongoing challenges. We celebrated national achievements from some of these events, while others imparted valuable lessons to carry forward into 2025.

This article aims to review and reflect on these pivotal moments, providing a comprehensive perspective by interpreting facts and events. And finally, what valuable sessions can we take with us as we transition to a new year? Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the events that defined the nation’s journey over the past year:

Socio-Political Shifts

Historic Coalition Government Formation

In a landmark political development, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the dawn of democracy in 1994, securing just over 40% of the vote in the general elections. This decline led to the formation of a coalition government, officially known as The Government of National Unity, marking a transformative moment in South Africa’s governance landscape.

Corruption Scandal Rocks Parliament

In 2024, South Africa’s political landscape was dominated by high-profile corruption cases involving senior politicians and public figures. April witnessed the resignation of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as Speaker of the National Assembly amid an anti-corruption investigation. Facing corruption and money laundering charges, her resignation highlighted the persistent issues of accountability and transparency in South Africa’s leadership.

While certain individuals, such as Zizi Kodwa, had their charges dismissed, others, including Thembi Simelane, former Mayor of Polokwane and Minister of Justice, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Mapisa-Nqakula, remained under intense legal and public scrutiny. The continued controversy over Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal highlighted deeper concerns about the South African government’s capacity to ensure accountability among its leaders. Among the corruption cases mentioned, several others remain unresolved.

Steinhof Saga

During March, former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste died by suicide in Hermanus, a day before he was told to hand himself over to law enforcement. The Steinhoff scandal sent shockwaves through the South African financial markets, wiping out more than R200 billion in market value. This catastrophic event severely impacted the wealth of prominent businessman Christo Wiese and devastated the pension funds of millions of ordinary citizens.

Education Reform

BELA Act Implementation

The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act came into full effect in 2024, bringing transformative changes to South Africa’s education system. Aimed at fostering inclusivity and equity, the Act grants the government greater authority over school admissions and language policies while ensuring schools’ codes of conduct align with national standards.

Additionally, homeschooling regulations have been tightened, requiring parents to register with provincial departments and adhere to prescribed curricula. These measures are designed to standardize education quality across learning environments, addressing historical inequalities and expanding access to quality schooling for all learners.

Social Challenges

Combatting Gender-Based Violence

South Africa’s struggle with gender-based violence remained a pressing issue. The World Population Review placed the country among the top six globally for femicide rates, underlining the urgent need for sustained societal and governmental action.

Human Trafficking Bust

In August, a police operation in Johannesburg rescued 90 Ethiopian migrants suspected to be victims of human trafficking. This event shed light on the ongoing human trafficking crisis within South Africa and the region.

Human Rights Concerns Emerge in Stilfontein Mine Crisis

The Stilfontein mine disaster in November exemplified the brutal suppression of informal mining activities. Police tactics, such as sealing off mine shafts and cutting off vital supplies, drew widespread condemnation for their inhumane nature and were ultimately deemed illegal by the courts. This incident highlighted the multifaceted nature of the “zama-zama” crisis, encompassing criminal networks, human trafficking, and the desperation driven by socioeconomic conditions. The issue is frequently oversimplified as solely a problem of illegal immigration.

Government Response to Food Poisoning Highlights Plight of Foreign Nationals

The tragic deaths of children across the country from suspected food poisoning triggered a nationwide food safety crackdown. The government swiftly suspended sales at spaza shops, conducted over 200,000 inspections, and imposed a controversial 21-day registration deadline on shop owners. This abrupt action fueled concerns about stigmatizing and destabilizing the informal economy, particularly impacting foreign nationals who heavily rely on this sector for their livelihoods within South Africa.

Major Blow to Print Media as Media24 Shuts Down Titles

In a significant move, Media24 shuttered four of its major print publications, impacting titles such as City Press, Rapport, Beeld, and the Daily Sun.

Cultural Milestones

Miss South Africa 2024

Mia le Roux broke barriers by becoming the first deaf winner of the Miss South Africa pageant in August. Her victory represented a significant milestone for inclusivity and diversity, inspiring countless marginalized individuals throughout our nation.

Art and Design Renaissance

Johannesburg emerged as a hub for creativity and innovation, with events such as the Turbine Art Fair and FNB Art Joburg, alongside venues like Nirox Sculpture Park, elevating the city’s cultural prominence.

Medical Breakthrough

In March, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo and his team at the University of Pretoria performed the world’s first middle ear transplant using 3D printing technology at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. This groundbreaking procedure restored hearing for a 35-year-old man who lost it in a car accident, showcasing South Africa’s remarkable healthcare innovation despite the significant challenges within the national healthcare system.

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Sports Highlights

This year has been unforgettable for South African sports, with numerous individual and team highlights.

Man of the Year. Dricus du Plessis has emerged as a South African hero in MMA, becoming the UFC middleweight champion.

Unmentionable Moment. The Proteas were bowled out for a mere 55 runs on the first morning of the second Test against India, a moment to forget.

Political Controversy in Cricket. David Teeger was stripped of the SA u-19 cricket captaincy amid political posturing over Israel and Palestine.

Rugby Pillars of Power. Pieter-Steph du Toit made history as the first South African named World Men’s 15’s Player of the Year twice. Alongside Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, and Ox Nche, he formed the backbone of the formidable Springboks of 2024.

Outstanding Individual Performance. Ronwen Williams saved four penalties in the Cup of Nations quarterfinal shootout against Cape Verde.

Springboks’ Historic Achievements. The Springboks’ success in 2024, including winning The Rugby Championship and securing four consecutive wins against the All Blacks, confirmed their greatness in rugby history.

Cricket Success. The SA20 has captivated cricket fans, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape winning their second consecutive title in February.

Female Athletes’ Excellence. Nadine Roos and Laura Wolfaardt showcased their talents in rugby and cricket, respectively. Roos scored 34 points in the Vancouver Sevens, while Wolfaardt achieved the highest score by a South African woman in ODI cricket.

Tragic Loss. Boxing SA CFO Kenneth Mamosadi was tragically killed in February.

Record-Breaking Feats. Shabnim Ismail set a new record with the fastest delivery in women’s cricket, and jockey Richard Fourie achieved his 335th season winner.

Cycling. Alan Hatherly also made headlines by winning the overall title in the 2024 UCI XCO World Cup. His victory sends an inspiring message to all South Africans, particularly young athletes, that dreams are achievable with determination, heart, and self-belief, regardless of background or resources. His triumph in a globally dominated sport breaks barriers and showcases the potential of South African talent to excel on the world stage, reminding us all that with perseverance, any challenge can be overcome, and success is within reach in any field.

His victory sends an inspiring message to all South Africans, particularly young athletes, that dreams are achievable with determination, heart, and self-belief, regardless of background or resources.

Olympic Glory. South Africa secured six medals at the Paris Olympics, with Tatjana Smith winning gold in the 100m breaststroke. A notable moment came from Akani Simbine, who secured a silver medal in the 100m final, narrowly missing gold. His performance highlighted the high caliber of South African talent and competitiveness.

The athletes’ success at the Paris Olympics underlined the necessity for increased investment in their development. Enhancing resources and support structures could help South African athletes achieve even greater heights in future competitions. According to an article in The Daily Maverick, “many of South Africa’s sports administrators and associations are not in the same league as athletes.”

Fabulous Fast Baller. Kagiso Rabada reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets, highlighting his excellence.

Exciting Boxing Matches. Shervantaigh Koopman and Phumelela Cafu delivered thrilling performances in the boxing ring, earning accolades and admiration.

Infrastructure and Safety Concerns

Building Collapse in George

Tragedy struck in May when a building under construction in George, Western Cape, collapsed, claiming 33 lives. This incident underscored the critical need for rigorous safety standards in construction practices.

Road Safety Challenges

The year saw multiple devastating bus accidents, including one in Limpopo in March that claimed at least 45 lives and another in the Western Cape in September resulting in 10 fatalities. These incidents highlighted the importance of improving road safety measures across the country.

International Relations

Diplomatic Tensions with Taiwan

In October, South Africa’s request for Taiwan to relocate its Liaison Office from Pretoria to Johannesburg was rejected by Taiwan, citing a violation of previous agreements. The move added complexity to South Africa’s diplomatic engagements on the global stage.

Israeli–Palestinian conflict

As of January 2024, South Africa maintains only “limited political and diplomatic interaction” with Israel due to the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Global Technological Breakthroughs in 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI continued its rapid evolution, with notable developments in generative AI and autonomous agents capable of performing complex tasks. These advancements have streamlined operations across industries, enhancing efficiency and decision-making processes.

Biotechnology: The approval of personalized immunotherapy treatments targeting T-cells marked a significant milestone in medicine, offering new avenues for combating diseases like cancer.

Quantum Computing: Companies like Google achieved breakthroughs with chips capable of reducing errors and performing complex computations at unprecedented speeds, heralding a new era of computational capabilities.

Enhanced Connectivity: The expansion of satellite internet services, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, providing connectivity to remote areas, bridging digital divides, and fostering global communication.

Health Tech Innovations: Tech giants introduced features like sleep apnea detection and hearing aid functionalities in consumer gadgets, blurring the lines between medical devices and everyday technology.

Technological Advancements in South Africa

South Africa has embraced several of these global trends, tailoring them to its unique context:

Digital Economy Growth: As of January 2024, South Africa had 45.34 million active internet users, representing 74.7% of the population. This growth has been supported by investments in data centers and cloud services from companies like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, enhancing digital infrastructure and service delivery.

Affordable 5G Accessibility: MTN South Africa launched the MTN Icon 5G, an affordable 5G-enabled smartphone priced at 2,499 rand ($138). This initiative aims to make high-speed internet more accessible, encouraging users to transition from older technologies to faster 4G and 5G networks, thereby enhancing digital inclusion.

E-Government Development: South Africa improved its ranking in the United Nations E-Government Development Index from 65 in 2022 to 40 in 2024, reflecting advancements in digital governance and public service delivery.

Regulatory Technology (RegTech) Expansion: The RegTech industry in South Africa is expected to grow by 27.7% annually, reaching US$302.31 million in 2024. This growth underscores the increasing adoption of technology to streamline regulatory processes and compliance in the financial sector.

Advancements in Science and Innovation: South Africa has made steady progress in fields like paleontology and astronomy, contributing to global scientific knowledge and showcasing the country’s research capabilities.

Conclusion

From political evolution and societal challenges to cultural triumphs and infrastructure mishaps, 2024 has been a transformative year for South Africa. These events not only shaped the country’s trajectory but also underscored the resilience and determination of our people as we continue to navigate a path toward growth and progress.

Lessons for South Africa from 2024

As South Africans, we find ourselves at a crossroads, having weathered a year filled with profound challenges, transformative milestones, and inspiring triumphs. From political upheavals and social battles to cultural breakthroughs and sporting victories, each event has etched a lesson into our nation’s collective consciousness. Reflecting on these pivotal moments, we can chart a course toward a brighter, more resilient future in 2025. Here are 12 main lessons South Africa can take from this eventful year:

Embrace Political Diversity: Forming a coalition government after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority highlights the importance of political diversity and collaboration. Cultivating inclusive governance can lead to more balanced and representative decision-making. This demonstrates that, despite our differences and divisions, we can still unite by finding common ground and working together as one nation. Embracing political and cultural diversity requires an openness to finding common ground. By attentively considering each other’s viewpoints and participating in meaningful conversations, we can foster mutual respect and enhance our understanding of one another. This willingness to work together, despite differing views and backgrounds, allows for collaboration that strengthens the unity of a community or nation. When focusing on shared values and goals, we can bridge divides and create a more inclusive and harmonious society where everyone’s voice is valued.
Strengthen Accountability and Transparency: The resignation of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula amid corruption charges underscores the need for stringent measures to ensure accountability and transparency in leadership. Implementing robust anti-corruption frameworks can restore public trust in governance. Furthermore, we learn that we must shift from a victim and blameshifting mindset and take ownership of creating a better 2025. We cannot rely solely on the government for societal and structural changes. Through our initiative and leadership, we need to take responsibility for our neighborhoods, safety, job creation, entrepreneurship, and the education of our children.
Prioritize Education Reform: The implementation of the BELA Act demonstrates the significance of education reform in addressing historical inequalities. Continued focus on inclusive and equitable education policies can enhance learning outcomes and provide equal opportunities for all learners.
Address Gender-Based Violence: South Africa’s high femicide rates highlight the urgent need for sustained efforts to combat gender-based violence. Strengthening legal frameworks, increasing support services, and promoting societal change are crucial steps in addressing this pervasive issue. However, at its core, every citizen has to stay informed, be aware, report incidents, and work on preventative measures.
Combat Human Trafficking: The rescue of 90 Ethiopian migrants in Johannesburg and Stilfontein Mine Disaster emphasizes the ongoing human trafficking crisis. Enhancing law enforcement capabilities, raising public awareness, and providing support for victims are essential in tackling this issue.
Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Mia le Roux’s victory as the first deaf Miss South Africa showcases the importance of inclusivity and diversity. Encouraging representation across all sectors can inspire and empower marginalized communities. Now it is the time to accelerate transformation.
Invest in Healthcare Innovation: The world’s first middle ear transplant using 3D printing technology by Professor Mashudu Tshifularo highlights South Africa’s potential for healthcare innovation. Continued investment in medical research and technology can lead to groundbreaking advancements and improved patient outcomes. We need stronger leadership and innovation with the challenges of our healthcare system, and in particular a workable health system for everybody, not only the wealthy.
Enhance Sports Development: The success of South African athletes at the Paris Olympics and other sports events underscores the need for greater investment in sports development. Providing resources, training programs, and support structures can help athletes achieve their full potential. We have the potential to innovate in technology and don’t need to fall behind the rest of the world. The existing gap between some sports administration bodies, characterized by financial mismanagement, personal gain, and petty politics, and the well-being of our athletes must be addressed through effective transformation.
Improve Infrastructure Safety: The building collapse in George, multiple bus accidents, and Spaza shops-related poisonings highlight the critical need for rigorous health and safety standards in the food and construction industry and road safety. Implementing and enforcing stringent safety regulations can prevent future tragedies.
Navigate Diplomatic Relations Carefully: The diplomatic tensions with Taiwan illustrate the complexities of international relations. Adopting a strategic and balanced approach to diplomacy can help South Africa navigate global challenges and maintain positive international partnerships. South Africa’s stance in the International Court of Justice regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict demonstrates that smaller nations can make impactful contributions on the global stage.
Technology. South Africans can harness lessons from 2024’s technological breakthroughs by prioritizing digital inclusion, ethical AI use, and local innovation tailored to the country’s unique challenges. In 2025, opportunities lie in expanding digital entrepreneurship, leveraging AI for solutions in agriculture, education, and healthcare, and advancing renewable energy and health tech to address national needs. Strengthening tech-enhanced education, fostering local startups, and promoting responsible technology use can drive social and economic transformation. By focusing on upskilling, public-private collaboration, and youth empowerment, South Africans can build a competitive, inclusive, and innovative future aligned with global trends while addressing local challenges.
The shift from print to digital newspapers offers valuable lessons for various sectors:
- Embrace Change and Adapt: The newspaper industry’s reluctance to adapt to digital platforms led to significant losses. This highlights the importance of proactively embracing change and evolving business models to remain relevant in a dynamic market.
- Invest in Digital Literacy: The success of digital platforms hinges on user experience and engagement. Understanding digital trends, user behavior, and technological advancements is crucial for businesses to thrive in the digital age.
- Prioritize Quality Content: While the format shifted, the core value of quality journalism remained. In the digital landscape, credible content that provides value to readers is essential for attracting and retaining audiences.

Conclusion

Finally, a challenging journey lies ahead to build a harmonious society that promotes equality and provides ample employment opportunities. We must also reduce crime, eradicate corruption, and ensure basic services for all South Africans. Progress in these areas will require sustained efforts and collaboration from all sectors of society, working together toward a common vision of a fair and prosperous future. Should we take cognizance by learning these valuable lessons, South Africans will greet a bright 2025.

Resources Consulted for This Article:

Afrotech: Details about the world’s first middle ear transplant using 3D printing technology by Professor Mashudu Tshifularo.
Skills Portal: Information about the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act and its impact on South Africa’s education system.
MSN Sports: Year-end review on South African athletics and performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Daily Maverick: Sports Administrators.
Independent Online: Corruption allegations.
Financial Times: Article on AI advancements and Google’s quantum computing breakthrough: https://www.ft.com/content/3a3f8c9f-90fd-4e2f-94c4-b9977438e911
Vox: Overview of global technological breakthroughs: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/392649/artificial-intelligence-global-poverty-congestion-new-york-elections-deepfakes-gene-therapy-eagles, https://www.vox.com/technology/391741/2024-ai-chatgpt-instagram-starlink-apple
GSMA: South Africa’s role in AI and cloud computing: https://www.gsma.com/about-us/regions/sub-saharan-africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GSMA_South-Africa-Report_Nov-2024-FINAL-VERSION.pdf
South African Government Digital Platforms: Report on South Africa’s improvement in the UN E-Government Index: https://www.dcdt.gov.za/media-statements-releases/532-south-africa-s-significant-improvement-in-the-united-nations-e-government-index-2024.html
DSTI: Advances in South Africa’s science and innovation sectors: https://www.dsti.gov.za/index.php/media-room/media-room-speeches/other/4487-30-years-of-science-technology-and-innovation-in-democratic-south-africa-progress-and-challenges-dr-naledi-pandor-4-december-2024
General knowledge and context on South African politics, social issues, cultural events, and infrastructure concerns in 2024, as well as global reporting on human trafficking and gender-based violence statistics.

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