In a post-match style reflection, “Kooks” breaks down the return to school, work and traffic as South Africans adjust to life after the holidays.
South Africa (15 January 2026) – South African content creator and sports broadcaster Kuhle “Kooks” Sonkosi has once again captured the national mood, this time calling time on the festive season with his post-match style reflection that feels all too real.
According to Kooks, the signs are everywhere: teachers are back at work, kids are back at school, traffic has returned in full force, and the holiday bubble has burst.
Even the social rules have shifted. Forget “Happy New Year” if you haven’t seen someone yet in 2026, the correct greeting is now simply “long time no see.”
While the festive break delivered good vibes and memories, reality had to return at some point.
Tight budgets. Fewer nights out. And yes, the air fryer officially takes centre stage as restaurant visits are pushed all the way to Valentine’s Day.
January might not be glamorous, but it’s part of the game. And if this post-holiday reality check is anything to go by, South Africans are ready to grit their teeth, laugh through it, and keep moving forward.
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