Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Crowned South Africa's Newsmaker of the Year
Durban – KwaZulu-Natal's provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has officially been declared the newsmaker of the year, dominating headlines and capturing the public's attention like no other.
Mkhwanazi secured a landslide victory in an online survey conducted this week, garnering an impressive 65% of the votes. This resounding endorsement solidifies his position as the individual who has commanded the most media coverage and public discourse throughout the year.
Trailing behind Mkhwanazi in second place was tenderpreneur and attempted-murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who received 17% of the votes. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, came in third with 4%.
Mkhwanazi, previously the head of the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team, rose to prominence following an explosive press briefing on 6 July. His direct and uncompromising approach, coupled with his distinctive military attire, has sparked both admiration and suspicion among South Africans. Some view him as a much-needed force against police corruption, while others question his motives and perceive a potential power-hungry agenda.
During the aforementioned briefing, Mkhwanazi made serious allegations against high-ranking police officials and politicians. Those implicated included the now-suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, police deputy head Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, and members of the judiciary. He accused them of aiding criminal syndicates, improperly interfering in investigations, and obstructing justice.
Mkhwanazi's claims led to the establishment of the Madlanga commission of inquiry, as well as an ad hoc parliamentary committee investigation, both aimed at uncovering the truth behind his allegations.
Mkhwanazi surpassed nine other contenders who have prominently featured in the news cycle this year, some for their achievements and others for their controversies.
Here's a look at the other individuals who made headlines:
Nkosana Makate:
In November, South Africans collectively celebrated the announcement that Vodacom and Makate had reached an agreement in their long-standing "Please Call Me" litigation. This 17-year David-and-Goliath court battle showcased Makate's stoic determination for justice and earned him widespread support. While the exact details of the settlement remain undisclosed, it is widely believed that it has secured his financial future.
Jannie Mouton:
The founder of Capitec and PSG announced one of South Africa's largest philanthropic initiatives this year: the purchase of Curro Holdings, the country's largest private school operator, through the Jannie Mouton Foundation for approximately R7.2 billion. The goal is to transform Curro from a profit-driven entity into a non-profit public benefit organisation to improve South Africa's education system. The Competition Commission approved the deal, subject to certain conditions.
Nobuhle Nkabane:
The former higher education minister was dismissed by President Cyril Ramaphosa after just one year in office on 21 July, amidst controversy surrounding appointments to the boards of sector education and training authorities (Setas). Perhaps the most memorable incident was her unusual behaviour while appearing before parliament. Nkabane refused to take responsibility for her actions and was recorded eating during the hearing, an incident that was later dubbed "snack-gate".
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla:
Former president Jacob Zuma's daughter has always been known for her outspoken nature. However, she allegedly crossed a line this year by luring MK party recruits to Russia. The recruits believed they were receiving "bodyguard training" but instead found themselves on the front line in Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine. Zuma-Sambudla has denied the allegations but has resigned as an MP for the party. The Hawks are currently investigating the matter.
Tyla:
The Joburg artist has achieved global recognition this year, breaking barriers with major wins at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, the American Music Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, and others. She has performed at Coachella and Global Citizen and has been featured on the cover of British Vogue and in Glamour's Women of the Year issue. The "princess of popiano" shows no signs of slowing down, with a nomination for a 2026 Grammy Award in the best African music performance category.
Collins Letsoalo:
The former Road Accident Fund boss's defiance of accountability has dominated headlines for much of the year. He has refused to appear before parliamentary committees, has been accused of spending millions of rand on bodyguards whom he forced to work on his farm, and is under investigation for overseeing irregular contracts worth millions. While his contract as CEO expired after he was suspended in June, new controversies continue to emerge on a regular basis.
Kelly Smith:
Few individuals evoked such a strong emotional reaction from the public this year as Kelly Smith, the mother of missing Joshlin Smith. She yawned through her human trafficking trial and displayed little emotion during court proceedings. Smith and her co-accused were sentenced to life imprisonment, but the mystery of what happened to Joshlin has never been solved.
Shauwn Mkhize:
South Africa's "queen of bling" has been forced to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle this year after five auctions of her belongings by the South African Revenue Service to offset the R40 million she reportedly owes in taxes. Among the items auctioned were luxury cars, designer bags, and her alcohol collection. Even her football club, Royal AM, was affected. In a raid on its KZN training facility, dormitories used by the club's women's side were emptied of beds and other essentials while players continued to train nearby.
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