A fan-made reimagining of Grand Theft Auto brings local flavour, sharp satire, and proudly South African moments to the spotlight.
South Africa (14 July 2025) – Grand Theft Mzansi? What would Grand Theft Auto look like if it were set in South Africa? A new fan-made trailer titled “GTA 7 in South Africa” has captured the imagination, sharp satire and deep love for the country. This is a South African remake of Rockstar Games’ iconic open-world crime franchise against the volatile streets of Mzansi.
The video opens with South Africa’s second unofficial national anthem, Sister Bettina, as a character in a Springbok t-shirt stands with Table Mountain in the background. The chaos then starts to unfold with a robbery scene that is interrupted by a cashier saying, “System is offline”. A familiar phrase to anyone who has queued at Home Affairs or the Traffic Department.
The trailer is more than just crime and satire. It is full of clever, proudly South African details. Oversized bakkies in the streets and a scooter delivery service named “Checked 50/50”.
Instead of cities like Liberty City or Los Santos in the actual GTA, players are introduced to places like Cape Vice. Where “gangsters sip champagne in Campers Bay” and “Counter Mountain watches over a city.” The trailer also moves to Egoli City, a reimagining of Johannesburg. Filled with diamond heists and skyscrapers.
And then there’s the Union Capital, based in Pretoria, the home of beautiful jacarandas.
The voice-over is packed with pure local flavour. The narrator switches between English and Afrikaans, with lines like “nie bietjie nie, baie.”
The references to corruption, inequality, and resistance are not just for dramatic effect. It is to intentionally hit close to home for many viewers. You will need to watch the video over and over again to catch the subtle, layered messages hidden throughout. Each scene is clearly deliberate and carefully chosen.
There is also a genius moment included in the trailer. The unforgettable isiXhosa rugby commentary during a Currie Cup game when loadshedding struck at Mbombela stadium, “heyyyyyiii loadshedding…”
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Since its release, the trailer has sparked massive reactions online, with many in the comment sections praising it for its creativity and boldness.
It’s a glimpse into what could be a revolutionary South African setting for a global gaming franchise. The question is, would you buy it if it were brought to life?
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