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2017 in hindsight

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Drought in Cape Town and other parts of the country, Knysna fires, economic downgrades, the Life Esidimeni tragedy, and the rise in femicide, are just some of the stories that made headlines in South Africa in 2017.

2017 was a year filled with change…

The economic downgrades saw South Africa slide to junk status.

But more recently and perhaps still making news must be the ascendance of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to the African National Congress’ highest position. This when he was elected ANC president at the party’s 54th National Conference in December, replacing Jacob Zuma.

Business also made news when a number of private companies were implicated in corrupt dealings. These included Steinhoff, Oakbay and KPMG for various scandals.

Just across the border, Robert Mugabe was forcibly removed from office after the Zimbabwean military moved in.

American President Donald Trump claimed Jerusalem as the capital of Israel sparking violent protests from Palestinians.

2017 was a year filled with protests

From the opposition parties marching in metropolitans; to Cosatu’s nationwide strike, to SABC employees downing tools over a wage dispute.

But beyond typical protest, perhaps Jacob Zuma’s many appeals against various court judgements should also be seen as some of the major protests that took place. These, as well as civil organisations that took various matters to court.

2017 was filled with environmental havoc

From the Knysna fires, to the drought which continues to have Cape Town on its knees with water restrictions and the storms which claimed countless lives all over South Africa.

Click below for a full timeline of events that made headlines in 2017:

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