South African celebs spill their surprising New Year’s Eve plans and ambitious 2026 resolutions

“I always have an intentional start to the new year with a mix of gratitude, loved ones and fireworks,” said reigning Miss South Africa 2025 Qhawekazi Mazaleni.

Her words capture the mood many South African celebrities share as they look ahead to the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. 

For them, New Year’s Eve is not only a celebration but also a pause, a chance to reflect on the year that was and to set direction for what lies ahead. 

New Year’s Eve plans and 2026 resolutions offer space to reset. Some celebrities are choosing quiet moments with family, others are travelling or working, while many are blending celebrations with intention.

What unites them is the idea that the new year should begin with clarity, gratitude and purpose. Their plans and resolutions show how reflection often turns into action.

Qhawekazi Mazaleni on community, prayer and focused goals

For Mazaleni, the new year begins with people who matter most. 

“This year will be no different,” she said of her New Year’s Eve 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.”

Her approach to resolutions has shifted over time. Instead of setting broad goals for the entire year, she now works in shorter cycles.

“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.

“I will mainly be focusing on translating my isiXhosa children’s book into all South African languages,” she said.

This work is part of a broader vision. “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 believes in balancing purpose with personal growth.

“I always have a hobby-related goal each year,” she added. “This year was focused on calisthenics and for 2026, I would love to learn how to sew.”

Bash with Tash on gratitude, family and self-care

Comedian and MC Bash with Tash is choosing 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.” 

For her, gratitude is essential. “We often only reflect on the challenges, but never take a moment to be grateful for God’s mercy,” she said. While December remains busy with work, she plans to slow down toward the end.

“I will be working most of December, just toning down in the last few days.”

Looking ahead, she is clear about what matters.

“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.”

Kim Jayde on home, growth and putting in the work

After a year of travel, award-winning media personality, entrepreneur and TV host Kim Jayde is choosing 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.

Carol Ofori on travel, tradition and personal timelines

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 on a quiet night, and saying yes

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.

The Billionaires on family, gratitude and expansion

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.