SCORE: B From surviving an internal plot inside the ANC to oust him at the party’s national general council (NGC), standing up to incecant attacks from United States bully Donald…

SCORE: D Deputy President Paulus Shipokosa Mashatile, the man tipped to replace President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president in 2027 and possibly the next leader of South Africa,…

Agricultural exports and rural employment highlight Steenhuisen’s tenure, alongside ongoing disease and regulatory pressures

SCORE: B+ Finance minister Godongwana’s leadership this year faced its first test during the tabling of the national budget. For the first time, the budget had to be re-tabled…

SCORE: C+ Tau has had a tough year navigating the global turmoil triggered by US tariffs on several countries. The 30% on South Africa’s exports is certainly not a reflection of…

SCORE: F- Mchunu’s legacy has taken a heavy knock from allegations of collusion with criminal syndicates which were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi…

SCORE: D Mantashe’s tenure in the mining and petroleum sectors has been defined by a mix of early reforms and structural challenges. He oversaw the initial rollout of the…

SCORE: D It hasn’t been exactly a sterling year for Kubayi, particularly the tail end of it. One fumble that will stick in many people’s minds is how she recently suggested that…

SCORE: B+ A remarkable milestone under Ramokgopa’s leadership is an impressive and sustained electricity supply record, with over 196 consecutive days without loadshedding for…

SCORE: C Under Gwarube, the department has seen some real and visible gains this year: record matric pass rates, a renewed strategic focus on early childhood and foundational…

SCORE: C As Cyril Ramaphosa’s most trusted ally and the go-to woman if you want his ear, Nthavheni is loved by some for protecting the president from undue external and internal…

SCORE: C Nzimande’s first full year leading the ministry of science, technology and innovation has been defined by institutional housekeeping and strategic repositioning rather…

Nobuhle Nkabane | SCORE: E Buti Manamela | SCORE: C Before her dismissal Nkabane’s 2025 tenure was a case of ambitious intentions undermined by poor execution, lack of…

SCORE: B In 2024,Velenkosini Hlabisa quickly brought both structure and order to South Africa’s most dysfunctional tier of government, reading them the riot act over unpaid Eskom…

SCORE: F The year 2025 was a baptism of fire for Motshekga, one of the worst performing ministers in the government of national unity. After South African soldiers were sent on…

The new minister inherits partial successes in biodiversity, climate adaptation and renewable energy from his predecessors but faces ongoing environmental crises, governance…

SCORE: C Under Ndabeni-Abrahams, the department this year outlined an ambitious agenda focused on expanding funding, supporting new economic sectors such as the ocean economy,…

SCORE: E It’s fair to say that Simelane has struggled to come out from under the heavy cloud of corruption allegations against her linked to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal. Earlier…

SCORE: D Ramokgopa has maintained a relatively low public profile, aside from criticism from organised labour. Unions accused the minister of bypassing public service regulations…

SCORE: D The department has hardly made strides in addressing the national gender-based violence and femicide crisis besides awareness campaigns and public statements condemning…