Mia le Roux in Mexico | Photo Credit: Miss South Africa
The year in photos… South Africans voted in national elections, miners were trapped underground and homeless people were moved from the streets of Cape Town.
Johannesburg, South Africa (31 December 2024) – In a year shaped by heartbreak and triumph, the most unforgettable moments were immortalised through the lens, weaving together stories of struggle, resilience, and unity. These images revealed the rawness of human experience, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals and communities, while also showcasing the strength and determination that carried South Africa forward.
As school holidays get underway, people play in the St James tidal pool in Cape Town. Photo: David Harrison.An aerial view of the abandoned mine in Stilfontein in the in North West Province where hundreds of zama zama miners were underground. Photo: Ihsaan HaffejeeProtesters gathered in Cape Town to mark the UN International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo: Matthew HirschHeideveld residents joined a mass iftar (breaking of the fast) at Daphne court in Cape Town. Photo: Ashraf HendricksTurner Adams, a former gangster from Lavender Hill who turned his life around, died in October. Adams, seen here with his baby, spent nearly half of his 60 years in and out of prison. Photo: Brenton Geach (exclusive copyright)Scores of homeless people were moved from outside the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. Several homes caught alight during the eviction process. Photo: David HarrisonPeople gathered at the Usindiso building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, to light candles to mark the anniversary of the fire which claimed the lives of more than 70 people. Photo: Ihsaan HaffejeeAn inmate at Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town was one of more than 14,000 prisoners who registered to vote in the elections. Photo: Ashraf HendricksNonkanyiso Bhulabhula trims freshly harvested dagga in in Mpondoland in the Eastern Cape, where farmers have been growing dagga for hundreds of years. Farmers say profits have dwindled since dagga has been decriminalised for private use. Photo: Lucas NowickiA Metrorail train derailed in Paarl, injuring 25 people. Photo: David HarrisonA woman crosses a flooded street in Siyangena in Philippi, Cape Town. Thousands of people were left displaced after heavy rains battered the Western Cape. Photo: Sandiso PhalisoSiya Thabani stands in what used to be his bedroom, holding his ID. At least nine people were killed after a storm hit oThongati in KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Joseph BrackenAmos Jantjies and Luwellon Albridge hang up bokkoms in Velddrif, a small fishing town on the West Coast known as the “bokkom capital” of the world. Photo: Ashraf HendricksTembeka Ngcukaitobi shakes hands with admirers at OR Tambo International Airport on his return from presenting South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Photo: Ihsaan HaffejeeAn endangered conophytum stored at the the Richtersveld Desert Botanical Garden in Sendelingsdrif in the Northern Cape. The garden includes plants that have been taken from poachers and mining sites. Photo: Ashraf HendricksLearners with disabilities enjoy a sports day in Gugulethu. The event marked the start of Disability Rights Awareness Month. Photo: Sandiso Phaliso
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.
Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.
by 