NATIONAL NEWS - It’s been another difficult year in South Africa with a struggling economy, complicated politics, load-shedding, xenophobic attacks and a severe drought amongst many other challenges.
This, however, hasn’t stopped many South Africans from flying the flag high internationally and bringing hope during a difficult year.
Here are some of the top proud moments of 2019.
1. Springboks win the Rugby World Cup 2019
The Springboks’ third World Cup final victory, this time a 32-12 win over England, became a symbolic moment of renewed hope for the country after a very tough decade. Siya Kolisi, the country’s first black captain, represented so many struggles of everyday South Africans, and the win has ushered a new dawn for a country with a troubled past.
2. Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi, is crowned Miss Universe 2019
Miss SA, Zozibini Tunzi beat more than 90 contestants from around the world to take home the Miss Universe crown on 8 December 2019. Tunzi is the third Miss South Africa to wear the Miss Universe crown. Previous Miss SA winners include Margaret Gardiner in 1978 and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017. This win was a triumph not only for South Africa but for black women all over the world who have been overlooked because of the colour of their skin.
3. Sho Madjozi’s John Cena takes the world by storm
South African Tsonga musician Sho Madjozi’s song John Cena went viral this year and catapulted the singer to international stardom. The song received over eight million views on YouTube and saw the singer meet her childhood hero John Cena on the Kelly Clarkson Show. This proved that dreams do come true no matter where you come from.
4. Trevor Noah’s many achievements in 2019
South African comedian, Trevor Noah, is no stranger to international success but in 2019 he took his achievements to the next level by being the first South African to sell out Madison Square Gardens, he was also nominated for a Grammy and received two Emmy nominations for The Daily Show. He is regarded as the fourth highest-paid comedian in the world.
5. Vinolia Mabele crowned Ms United Nations
Vaal University of Technology student, Vinolia Mabele, took home the title of Ms United Nations during a ceremony in Canada in August 2019. She beat 18 other hopefuls from all over the world. The United Nation pageant focuses on volunteer work and each contestant had to be a volunteer in their communities. Mabele runs an organisation called Face of Mzansi, which aims to empower girls and young women through education.
