2025 Changed South Africa Forever. Budget Chaos, G20 Theatre & the Madlanga Shock

2025 may go down as one of the most pivotal years in South Africa’s democratic history.

we unpack the events that reshaped politics, exposed state weakness, and set the stage for the 2026 local government elections.

This year was defined by five major turning points:

-The budget crisis that proved the ANC can no longer rule unilaterally
-The collapse of the National Dialogue and public anger at political theatre
-The humiliating White House confrontation with Donald Trump
-The G20 summit, Potemkin-style fixes and global optics vs local failure
-And finally, the explosive Madlanga Commission, exposing collusion between criminals, police, politicians and parts of the justice system

I also cover:

-How the ANC lost its majority — but kept control
-Why VAT increases failed and what that revealed about power in the GNU
-Why Johannesburg is sliding toward failed-city status
-Why Ekurhuleni became ground zero for organised crime
-Whether the president can still “sweep things under the carpet”
-And why 2026 is shaping up to be a political earthquake

This isn’t a highlight reel.
It’s a reality check.

Sponsored by Pace Car Rental
Support the sponsors who support independent media.
Use code SONA when booking with Pace Car Rental.

Follow @sonacoza on TikTok, Instagram, X & Facebook
Produced by Stream IN Studios – https://www.streamin.co.za


If you value this independent political analysis and want to keep it strong, please consider donating. Your support helps us hold power accountable and produce fearless content.

Donate now: https://sona.co.za/index.php/donate/

Become a member today and help keep independent political analysis alive.