2026: The year South Africa’s stars are betting on bold beginnings

A HANDFUL of the country’s most beloved faces have already mapped out a year that feels less like a calendar and more like a fresh canvas. From boardrooms to breakfast tables, they’re swapping resolutions for intentions, and the buzz is impossible to ignore.

Kim Jayde – Turning ambition into action

Zimbabwean‑born media mogul Kim Jayde is gearing up for what she calls “a powerhouse year.” “My 2026 resolution is putting in the work!” she declares, eyes sparkling with the promise of upcoming TV projects that will soon hit screens nationwide. Travel is high on her agenda, but the real headline is the expansion of KJ Productions. “I couldn’t be more excited for the world to see! More travel! And of course, growing KJ Productions to reach new heights!” Kim’s mantra? Turn ambition into a schedule and watch it unfold.

Carol Ofori – Birthday reflections over resolutions

Radio powerhouse and author Carol Ofori prefers the quiet introspection of her January 14 birthday to the usual New Year's hype.

I’m not really big on New Year’s resolutions,” she says, “I take my birthday as a time to reflect on the year that’s been and set goals for the next chapter of my life  With a heart full of long‑standing dreams," she added.

“A big one for me in the upcoming year is fulfilling my dreams and finally seeing all the things I’ve wanted to see for a long time now.”

For Carol, 2026 is about turning the page with purpose, not ticking boxes.

Kgosi Rankhumise – Leaping into the unknown

TV and radio host Kgosi Rankhumise sees the new year as a fresh canvas, especially since January is his birthday month.

“This year is all about taking leaps, risks, and daring to try!” he enthuses. The field, he says, has been levelled – past failures and limitations are behind us. So this year, I hope to leap and take the risk in business, in my career, in setting firmer boundaries, and try new challenges. This may or may not include golf and the Comrades Marathon.”

Kgosi’s bold pledge is a rallying cry for anyone ready to shake things up.

Philicity Reeken – Saying yes to health and possibility

Co‑host of Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester, Philicity Reeken is putting self‑care front and centre.

“I really want to focus on my physical health,” she shares, “It’s something that has become super important to me, and I’m excited to take it a bit more seriously.”

Her optimism doesn’t stop at the gym; she’s borrowing a page from Shonda Rhimes.

I’ll be taking a leaf out of Shonda Rhimes’s book and saying YES to a lot more in 2026!”

Expect more energy, more projects, and a lot more “yes” from Philicity this year.

Chanley Wong – The art of restful intentionality

Content creator Chanley Wong is rewriting the rulebook on productivity.

“This year I’m learning to rest without guilt, to let joy exist in the quiet and ordinary moments, and to say no without feeling the need to explain myself,” she reflects.

Travel is a core theme – “I want to travel more – to meet myself in new places.”

Yet amid the wanderlust, family remains non‑negotiable: “No matter how full life gets, to always pick family, every time.”

Chanley’s gentle reminder is simple: success isn’t just about doing more, but about being more.

South Africa’s stars are mapping a simple roadmap for 2026: grow, balance, and dare. It’s shaping up as a year to move forward with purpose, passion and a little sparkle.