From career growth and bold risks to rest, reflection and personal balance, local stars share the intentions shaping their year ahead.
South Africa (06 January 2026) – As the new year settles in, it’s hard not to notice how differently people are choosing to step into 2026. Some are going all in on work, others are slowing down on purpose, and a few are doing a bit of both. Looking at how some of South Africa’s favourite personalities are approaching the year ahead, one thing stands out: there’s no one-size-fits-all energy this time around.
For Kim Jayde, the year ahead is about momentum and putting in the hours. The Zimbabwean-born media personality and businesswoman is entering 2026 with big plans already in motion.
“My 2026 resolution is putting in the work! I have multiple TV projects coming out in the new year and I couldn’t be more excited for the world to see! More travel! And of course growing KJ Productions to reach new heights!”
Carol Ofori, on the other hand, doesn’t tie her reset to the calendar flipping over. The radio personality and author prefers a more personal marker when it comes to reflection and goal-setting.
“I’m not really big on New Year’s resolutions. I take my birthday on 14 January as a time to reflect on the year that’s been and set goals for the next chapter of my life. 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.”
Kgosi Rankhumise says 2026 feels like a clean slate, one filled with possibility.
“This year is all about taking leaps, risks, and daring to try! The new year always has this freshness about it, and shares a new hope with us all.”
He sees this time as an opportunity to let go of what didn’t work before.
“The field has been levelled, and we all start from scratch again. So previous failures, limitations, disappointments, and shortcomings are behind us.”
For Philicity Reeken, 2026 is all about intention, especially when it comes to her health and mindset. The Breakfast With Martin Bester co-host is putting herself first in a very deliberate way.
“I really want to focus on my physical health. It’s something that has become super important to me, and I’m excited to take it a bit more seriously.”
Chanley Wong’s approach to the new year feels softer, but no less intentional. For the content creator and media personality, 2026 is about rest, boundaries and presence.
“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. I want to travel more, to meet myself in new places. And no matter how full life gets, to always pick family. Every time.”
Looking across these intentions makes one think. What stands out is not just what they want to achieve, but how they want to live while doing it. Whether it’s pushing harder, slowing down, or finally choosing themselves, these local stars are setting the tone for a year driven by purpose.
Sources: Supplied
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