South African Celebrities Reveal New Year's Eve Plans and 2026 Resolutions
As 2025 draws to a close, South African celebrities are sharing their plans for New Year's Eve and their resolutions for 2026, offering a glimpse into how they plan to celebrate, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead. From quiet moments with family to ambitious professional goals, their plans highlight the diverse ways in which they approach the start of a new year.
Reigning Miss South Africa 2025, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, emphasised the importance of intentionality. "I always have an intentional start to the new year with a mix of gratitude, loved ones and fireworks," she said, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many.
For Mazaleni, New Year's Eve is a time for community and celebration. "This year will be no different," she said of her tradition. "I have not set my plans in stone yet. One thing I know is that I will be with my close community, have a celebratory prayer when the clock strikes twelve and completely immerse myself in the fireworks show."
Mazaleni's approach to resolutions has evolved. "Over the years, I have moved away from making New Year’s resolutions to making quarterly goals," she explained. "I just found that my goals have been much less daunting when I break them down." For the first quarter of 2026, her focus is on her EYA campaign, translating her isiXhosa children’s book into all South African languages. "I really want to focus the first few months of 2026 on laying the groundwork for inclusive education and employment opportunities for youth in our country." She also aims to learn how to sew, balancing purpose with personal growth.
Comedian and MC Bash with Tash is opting for rest and reflection after a demanding year. "This year I am taking a few days off to spend some quality time with my baby boy, husband and family," she said. "To soak up the sun and reflect on the challenges of 2025 and also to take a moment in gratitude." Gratitude is essential for her: "We often only reflect on the challenges, but never take a moment to be grateful for God’s mercy." While December remains busy with work, she plans to slow down towards the end. "My new year is going to be taken in the direction that God wants me in," she said. While she has professional goals, she is also committed to balance. "Of course, I will have many goals I need to achieve and work hard, but I will also allow myself time to take care of myself." She believes self-care is not optional. "We cannot give from an empty cup," she said. "Therefore, self-care and mental health are a top priority for 2026." Family remains central. "Above all, I want to spend time with my family and touch more lives in the best way I can."
After a year of extensive travel, award-winning media personality, entrepreneur and TV host Kim Jayde is choosing to stay home. "I have travelled all over the world this year," she said. "My New Year plans are to be at home with my man. Home cooking and enjoying wholesome time in my beautiful home." Her resolutions for 2026 are rooted in effort and expansion. "My 2026 resolution is putting in the work," she said. "I have multiple TV projects coming out in the new year, and I could not be more excited for the world to see." Travel will still be part of her life, but growth is the main goal. "More travel," she added, "and, of course, growing KJ Productions to reach new heights." For Jayde, the new year is about building on momentum and showing up fully for what she has been working toward.
Award-winning media personality and radio and television host Carol Ofori will be welcoming the new year outside South Africa. "We are travelling to East Africa to ring in the new year," she said. "I am headed to Kenya with the kids and my family." Despite the location change, family traditions remain. "Our family ritual is having a big prayer just before the ringing in of the new year," she explained. "Then we party and enjoy whatever festivities the resort has." When it comes to resolutions, she takes a different approach. "I am not really big on resolutions," she said. Instead, she marks a change at another point in the year. "I take my birthday on 14 January as a time for resolutions, where I reflect on my year and set some goals I would like to achieve in the next chapter of my life." For the year ahead, her focus is personal fulfilment. "A big one for me in the upcoming year is fulfilling my dreams," she said, "and seeing all the things I have been wanting to see for a long time now."
PhiliCity Reeken, co-host on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester, is planning a calm New Year’s Eve at home. "This new year I will be spending it at home with my dogs," she said. "My puppies freak out with the crackers, so we will be watching movies and cuddling." Her resolutions are focused on well-being and openness. "I really want to focus on my physical health," she said. "It is something that has become super important to me, and I am excited to take it a bit more seriously." She is also embracing a mindset shift. "I will be taking a leaf out of Shonda Rhimes’s book and will be saying yes to a lot more in 2026," she said, pointing to a desire for growth through new experiences and opportunities.
For DJ duo The Billionaires, the festive season is divided between family and work. Karabo Motlogelwa will be in Soweto at his parents’ home, spending time with his parents and siblings. Ngcebo Mdima will be with his grandmother and extended family. New Year’s Day brings them to the stage. "The Billionaires will be in Durban," they said. "There is a gig in Kwamashu at K-section which we are invited to." They are mindful of their supporters. "We are grateful for the supporters who influenced the organisers to book us," they add. Their goals for 2026 are clear and ambitious. They plan to focus on rebranding The Billionaires, creating merchandise, collaborating with other artists and dropping an EP. They also have their eyes on international opportunities and brand associations. For them, the new year is about growth and taking their work further.
These South African celebrities offer a diverse range of approaches to the new year, united by a common thread of reflection, gratitude, and a desire to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
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