From cricket fields to catwalks, marathons to music awards, South Africa is raising its hand high… because champions live here.
South Africa (16 June 2025) – South Africans have a way of winning that’s uniquely our own. We do it with flair, heart, rhythm and sometimes a little grit between our teeth. Whether it’s on a world stage, in a muddy trail, or across a glittering red carpet, when we win, the world takes notice. We are champions!
So, after the Proteas made history by clinching the World Test Championship title (yes, that actually happened!), we figured it was time to zoom out and appreciate all the incredible ways South Africans have absolutely smashed 2025 so far.
It was tough to choose just 10 things from the long list of wins we’ve already had this year. Our olive oil is the best in the world, Kirsten Neuschäfer was awarded The Duchess of Kent Trophy, our Springbok Women have just been crowned African Champions, a local education initiative won a UN-Affiliated Award, and a South African-born chef won a major award, earning the Michelin’s Young Chef Award for 2025.
That’s just to name a few.
You see, at Good Things Guy, we keep track of all our achievements throughout the year, just quietly in the background, and then publish a comprehensive annual article in December. In fact, in 2024, we had over 245 things to celebrate. You can see that list here.
But in the meantime, here are 10 big wins from the first six months of this year that have made us puff our chests out just a little more proudly:
1. Cape Town Crowned as World’s Best City (January 2025)
Cape Town is back on top as the World’s Best City, beating out giants like New York, Melbourne and London, thanks to the 2025 Time Out Best City in the World rankings! Cape Town’s return to the top spot came after sitting pretty in second place for the 2024 run (which is still a huge deal). The title reclamation means that Cape Town racked up the most raving reviews; scoring big points for its rich history, cultural diversity and natural offering, amongst many other points of interest.
2. Dricus Du Plessis – UFC Middleweight Champion (February 2025)
The South African warrior cemented his name in history by defending his UFC Middleweight Championship against Sean Strickland in an electrifying five-round battle. It was a war, a fight that had fans on the edge of their seats, but in the end, it was Dricus who had his hand raised, proving once again why he is the best in the world! CHAMPION!!!
3. Tshego Gaelae Crowned Mrs World 2025 (February 2025)
From Soweto to Vegas to the world! Tshego Gaelae made history, bringing immense pride to South Africa by being crowned the 40th Mrs World! She’s not only the first South African to win the international pageant in nine years but also the first Black woman ever to claim the title since its inception 40 years ago. Talk about iconic!
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4. Tyla Named World Artist of The Year (March 2025)
If achievements were bees, South Africa’s Tyla is honey. As the 2025 winner of the iHeartRadio Music Award’s World Artist of the Year, Tyla’s trajectory into stardom continues to track significantly. Not to mention, she’s the first South African to win this title.
5. Akani Simbine Redefines Speed (April 2025)
This guy is unstoppable. Akani Simbine blazed through the 100m in just 9.90 seconds at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in April, claiming the fastest time in the world this season. Oh, and then he anchored South Africa to 4×100m gold at the World Relays in May. Fast is an understatement.
6. Lindokuhle Sobekwa Wins Global Photography Prize (May 2025)
From the township of Thokoza to the art galleries of London, Lindokuhle Sobekwa won the 2025 Deutsche Börse Photography Prize for his breathtaking documentary work. His lens tells stories the world needs to see… raw, real, and South African to the core.
7. Gold at RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May 2025)
It was another gold for South Africa at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, thanks to acclaimed horticulturist and floral legend Leon Kluge, right-hand Tristan Woudberg and their larger team. Following last year’s magnificent and winning comeback that ended a lengthy hiatus SA took from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, hopes were high that the 2025 South African floral display would continue our golden streak, hopes that bloomed in full.
8. World’s Strongest Man Title Comes Home (May 2025)
From the dusty rugby fields of Bloemfontein to the world stage in Sacramento, Rayno Nel became the strongest man on Earth… and he did it for South Africa. In his very first World’s Strongest Man final, the former rugby star clinched the title by the slimmest of margins, just 0.5 points, edging out defending champion Tom Stoltman.
9. Comrades Marathon Heroes – Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn (June 2025)
They ran, they conquered. Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn both clinched victories in the 2025 Comrades Marathon, making it look like a casual jog (spoiler: it wasn’t). Gerda grabbed her fourth win and Tete powered to his third, securing their spots as living legends. CHAMPIONS!!!
10. Cricket Glory – Proteas Lift the World Test Championship Mace (June 2025)
On 14 June 2025, South Africa beat Australia at Lord’s to take home the World Test Championship title. It was our first ICC trophy in nearly three decades, and it wasn’t just a win, it was a moment that rewrote history. Aiden Markram’s blazing 136 and Temba Bavuma’s calm leadership reminded the world exactly who we are.
Oh, and Just a Reminder… We’re Still Rugby World Cup Champions!
It might’ve happened in 2023… but let’s not be shy about this: we’re still the reigning Rugby World Cup champions, and that’s not just a title, it’s a whole mood. The Springboks made history by winning the tournament for a record fourth time, more than any other nation. We beat the best of the best on the world’s biggest stage. And we didn’t just win, we united a nation again. Say it with me now… STRONGER TOGETHER!
Fast forward to 2025, and that victory still echoes through every primary school tag rugby match, every proudly worn Bok jersey at a braai and every highlight reel that still gives us goosebumps.
Yes South Africa, we are champions.
Whether it’s in sport, science, storytelling or sheer strength, we’re showing the world that greatness lives here. And if this is what the first half of 2025 looks like… well, buckle up.
The best is yet to come.
For more good news (that feels like a warm hug), visit www.goodthingsguy.com. We’ll keep the proud tears coming.
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