It appears that South African athletes have forgotten how to lose, as various impressive performances have resulted in some significant victories, making a case for mzansi currently being one of the best sporting nations in the world.
As of late, being South African means waking up to find out that a fellow countrymen somewhere in the world has done something worth celebrating, particularly where sports are concerned. A nation once overlooked on the global stage in almost all sporting codes, has emerged as the team to beat across various sporting codes, as they have been racking up the top awards and accomplishments in respective fields.
The year 2025 has proven to be mzansi’s year of victory, as we have already seen some significant performances and accomplishments from our athletes, including Bayanda Walaza and Akani Simbine getting off to an impressive start to the year, as among the fastest men in the world. The young U20 Amajita team also made waves when they snatched the AFCON title for the first time since the tournament’s inception.
Cricket
After a 34-year drought, South Africa’s men’s Proteas team pulled off the impossible, redeeming all those who came and battled their hearts out for their country, to become the cricket World Champions after defeating Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final.
🏆 CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!🏆
South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets to win the ICC World Test Championship!
A huge moment for the Proteas and every fan who’s backed them all the way 🇿🇦🔥#TeamSA #forMyCountry #WTCFinal #ProteasWTCFinal pic.twitter.com/es7RvJEZoq
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) June 14, 2025
Pageantry
When it comes to pageantry, it is no secret that South Africa has perfected a winning formula, consistently emerging as the top winner in some of the best and most prestigious competitions, and has become somewhat of a norm. This time was no different, as Limpopo’s very own 17-year-old Pearl Mathebula was crowned Miss Teen Model International 2025
Being South African really means we win everyday, Miss Teen Model International 2025 is Pearl Mathebula from Limpopo.🧬🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/r2HSso7ytX
— Mbaliyezwe (@mbali_ndlela) June 15, 2025
Rugby
Taking a page from their male counterparts, the Bok Women’s team has finally been able to click and connect as needed to become notable contenders in the rugby space. The team pulled off a convincing 61-17 victory against Madagascar to become the Rugby Africa Cup Champions for the fourth time
Unbeaten in Africa. United in purpose.
The #BokWomen are Rugby Africa Cup champions for the fourth time 🏆#MakeItCount #ETTIG pic.twitter.com/1zSbYg68Ls— SA Women’s Rugby (@WomenBoks) June 15, 2025
Also see: Meet Lisa Dumezweni: The new face of SABC isiXhosa News
