As South Africans look ahead to 2026, New Year’s resolutions continue to focus on health and wellness, but financial wellbeing is quickly catching up.

Recent studies reveal that while most people still pledge to take better care of their health, an increasing number are also committing to saving more and managing their money wisely.

This shift reflects a growing awareness that financial fitness is just as important as physical health when navigating today’s economic pressures. A 2025 IPSOS study shows that 92% of South Africans pledged to take better care of their health, while research from the consumer insights agency KLA indicated that 82% planned to save more money.

Gavyn Letley, Product Head at specialist loans provider DirectAxis, says that while successive interest rate reductions have provided consumers with some relief, food price inflation, despite moderating, remains high, and fuel prices have increased again. The costs of electricity, housing, services and rates have contributed to an inflation rate that remains above the Reserve Bank’s 3% target and economic growth remains constrained.

“Even if you aren’t one of the growing numbers of people resolving to take better care of their finances in the coming year, it’s not too late to start doing so now and improve your financial health for 2026.”

But first, he emphasises, it’s important to stay realistic.

“One of the main reasons people abandon their resolutions is that they set unachievable goals. When it becomes clear that they can’t achieve these, they lose motivation. It’s far more effective to set feasible targets because the satisfaction of reaching them encourages you to continue.”

He suggests a few practical steps to get started.

1. Draw up a budget

Although budgeting may seem daunting, it’s one of the most important steps in taking control of your finances – and it’s simpler than you think. A budget shows where your income goes each month. In breaking down your earnings and expenses, it also helps you identify unnecessary costs and create room for savings.

It can be as easy as drawing a line down the centre of a page. List your income on the left and all your expenses on the right, using your bank statements as a guide. Alternatively, there is a range of online budgeting tools, such as here, that provide a step-by-step guide.

2. Improve your credit score

Your credit score helps banks, retailers, landlords, and others assess your financial reliability. A poor score can limit your access to credit and other financial products and services or result in you receiving higher interest rates on loans.

While South Africans are entitled to one free credit report a year from each credit bureau, online tools like DirectAxis’ Pulse (https://www.directaxis.co.za/pulse) allow users to check their credit score as often as they like at no cost.

Pulse also provides a breakdown of how your score is determined and advice on how to improve it. Most people can improve their credit score by at least 20 points by simply reducing the number of credit facilities they hold and paying accounts on time. A stronger score may unlock more financial products and can help you save on interest.

3. Increase your financial knowledge

Taking control of your financial future starts with informed decision-making. Fortunately, there is an abundance of credible online content produced by authorised financial institutions, and advisors.

Given the volume of information available, start by identifying topics you want to understand better and explore content from a few reputable sources. Compare perspectives to ensure the information is accurate, practical and relevant to your needs.

“These are three simple steps that will give you a solid foundation to start building a healthier financial future,” says Letley.

The festive season promises joy and connection for many, but for countless South African men, it also brings financial anxiety, family tension, grief, and year-end stress. Amid it all, an unspoken rule persists: men don’t admit they’re struggling. For too many, silence feels like the only option.

According to the National Department of Health, South African men face serious health risks: a life expectancy nearly six years shorter than women, higher rates of preventable disease, and widespread, unspoken mental health struggles.

South African men face serious health risks – a life expectancy nearly six years shorter than women, higher rates of preventable disease, and widespread, unaddressed mental health challenges. But the biggest barrier isn’t biology – it’s silence. Stigma keeps men from seeking help, managing stress, or addressing chronic conditions.

The shift from stigma to strength begins with a single action. Small, steady choices build momentum, helping you reclaim your health over time.

The 80% rule: Your choices matter most

Genetics and age account for only a fraction of your health outcomes. Up to 80% of your health outcomes depend on daily choices.

Conditions like heart disease, hypertension (affecting 35% of South African adults), and type 2 diabetes are largely preventable through consistent movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

Digital tools, such as the Multiply Recharge Score, can help monitor sleep recovery, body stress levels, and resting heart rate – giving you insight into how your routines impact your wellbeing, and where small changes can make a big difference.

Start small – one choice compounds over time

Your health journey doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Today, try one act of self-care: one restorative night’s sleep or one hour connecting with a loved one. Repeated daily, these small choices add up to transformed health and a reclaimed life.

Your health trajectory is not predetermined; it is shaped by present choices. As Damian McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health, says: “Every small choice today is an investment in a healthier, stronger you tomorrow. Health ownership starts with knowing your numbers, making one manageable change, and repeating it – turning consistent habits into momentum for long-term wellbeing.”

Don’t overlook mental health

Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Neglecting it can sap your energy, lower your immunity, and make everyday challenges feel overwhelming. Lasting wellness means caring for your mind as much as your body. Tools like AI-powered mental wellness support tool, Wysa, make it easier to access confidential, personalised support for stress, mindfulness, and emotional resilience – whenever and wherever they need it. One honest conversation about your wellbeing can be transformative, and when paired with consistent choices, it creates a foundation for sustained resilience.

Own it – health requires your active participation

Health isn’t only about avoiding illness; it’s about actively pursuing lasting wellness and resilience. According to Dr Michael Mol, Healthspan Physician, “When men take active control of their complete wellbeing – addressing physical, mental, and emotional health simultaneously, rather than in silos – they can transform their lives and extend their lifespan. Start with one small habit you can repeat every day and build from there.”

That’s where wellness rewards programs make a difference by recognising and rewarding consistent healthy habits and making sustainable change feel achievable. You’re not just adding years to life, but life to years.

Your health trajectory isn’t predetermined. It starts with you, right now, with one deliberate choice. Break the silence. Reclaim your health. Own your future.

For more information, visit the Multiply website and get rewarded from day one for every step you take towards reclaiming your health.   

As South Africa observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the conversation often centers on the scale of the country’s gender-based violence (GBV) problem. However, through its commitment to creating #GenerationNone – a generation free from GBV, 1st for Women is working to shift the focus to the scale of the solution.

This renewed focus coincides with the launch of the brand’s new strategic direction: “Her first, then her every thing.”

The 1st for Women Foundation addresses the harsh reality that prevents many South African women from living that life freely. According to the Her and Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa 2025 report, 54% of women say that safety concerns limit their daily activities and freedom of movement.

The 1st for Women Foundation confronts this reality directly – countering this fear with tangible protection. To date it has raised over R100 million, funding prevention programmes and support services that have helped keep more than 100 000 women safe. “These statistics show that real change demands the resources and action in order to turn safety from a privilege into a right,” says Jill Mulligan, Head of Marketing at 1st for Women.

Her first, then her sisterhood

Adding to this Mulligan says, “We cannot talk about putting her first, without addressing the systemic violence that puts her last. As we promote freedom, its growth path reflects a broader societal imperative. A woman can only truly be free – to be bold, or ambitious – if she is safe,” says Mulligan.

She emphasises that the fight against GBV is a daily operation rather than a seasonal campaign. “When a woman chooses 1st for Women, she automatically becomes an activist. Her premiums protect her assets while simultaneously funding the work that builds a safer future for her sisterhood.”

2025 milestones

The 1st for Women Foundation has released its impact data for the 2025 period to demonstrate this commitment in action. The Foundation invested almost R11 million across four major initiatives, directly reaching over 58 000 beneficiaries.

The dual-focused strategy is focused on providing immediate response services for survivors and long-term prevention initiatives for the youth.

• Systemic response: In partnership with Lawyers Against Abuse (LvA) in Diepsloot, the programme strengthened the judicial response to GBV. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the initiative saw 705 GBV cases reported and 4 226 people accessing support services. Significantly, the partnership facilitated 300 protection orders, providing tangible legal shields for women in volatile situations.
• Prevention and education: To break the cycle of violence, the Foundation partnered with Action Breaks Silence to intervene at school level. From January to October 2025, more than 11 000 learners were enrolled in training courses. Crucially, this included the Undefining Masculinity programme, which reached 2 300 Grade 8 and 9 learners, equipping them with the skills to challenge toxic social norms before they take root.
• Psychosocial support: Recognising that trauma requires deep care, the partnership with the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) provided psychosocial support to 1,197 children, representing 86% of their annual classroom-based target.

Solidarity in action

To mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism, the Foundation partnered with Smile FM for the Take a Step walk. The event saw over 1,000 participants walking 5km in solidarity with survivors of GBV.

“The walk was a physical demonstration of our collective resolve,” says Mulligan. “It raised close to R180 000, with all proceeds shared between the 1st for Women Foundation and The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children which stands as a vital one-stop centre providing free, 24-hour help and services to survivors.”

From fight to future

As the 16 Days of Activism continues, the 1st for Women Foundation is bringing together the right partners and supporting solutions that will make a meaningful difference against the scourge of GBV.

“The progress we are seeing is encouraging, but this is a long-term commitment,” concludes Mulligan. “We are looking at the young women and men in our school programmes today, and we are working for their future, building a generation free from GBV. We want them to inherit a South Africa where safety is a given, not a goal. The work we do today is how we build the legacy of a generation that knows freedom, not fear.”

The SPAR Carols By Candlelight Presented By Jacaranda FM dazzled audiences once again this year, proving to be a resounding success with a sold-out crowd, stellar performances, and a fundraising initiative that spreads festive cheer far and wide. Held at the SunBet Arena in Menlyn, the event brought together families, friends, and music lovers for an unforgettable evening of Christmas carols and holiday classics, while raising vital funds for communities in need. 

This year’s star-studded line-up featured incredible live performances from Elandré, Lee Cole, Zoë Modiga, BlackByrd, Just 6, Ruan du Toit, Charlize Berg, Lloyd Cele, Jesse Clegg, and The Ndlovu Youth Choir, who delivered soul-stirring renditions of beloved festive hits. Adding to the magic, the Jacaranda FM DJs took to the stage, engaging with fans, sharing laughs, and amplifying the holiday spirit that makes this annual tradition so special.

Over 7,000 tickets sold out in advance, the event raised a staggering R927,216 for charitable causes. These funds made a tangible difference: 1,200 children received Santa Shoeboxes valued at R600,000, bringing joy to young lives during the holidays; 192 staff members were gifted SPAR hampers worth R67,200 as a token of appreciation; and as part of Good Morning Angels’ 20-year celebration, 13 children’s homes and organisations each received R20,000, totalling R260,000. Overall, the initiative served 24 communities across four provinces, embodying the true essence of giving back.

“SPAR Carols By Candlelight is so much more than a concert; it’s a cherished annual tradition that truly embodies the spirit of giving. The fact that we were a sold-out show and raised nearly a million rand is a huge testament to the heart and kindness of our listeners and our partners at SPAR,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM. “Every year, people look forward to this moment of togetherness, and the good it does is profound. It is the perfect blend of world-class entertainment and meaningful community upliftment and we are so grateful to our partners, performers, and listeners for making it such a success.”

Relive the Magic on Christmas Eve

Over 10,000 viewers tuned into the livestream, but for those who want to relive the festive cheer or enjoy the concert during Christmas preparations, the full event will be rebroadcast all day on 24 December on www.jacarandafm.com, providing the perfect musical backdrop to Christmas Eve. 

Every December, the same migration happens. Johannesburg empties out, the N2 fills up, and South Africa’s coastal towns brace for the annual influx. Families pack roof racks, book beach houses, and head east toward the promise of warm water and slower days.

This year, there’s another migration worth watching. Southern right whales are calving in Algoa Bay, their massive forms breaching just offshore. Great white sharks patrol the deeper waters, drawn by the rich marine ecosystem that makes the Eastern Cape coastline one of the most biodiverse stretches in Africa. Bottlenose dolphins hunt in super pods. African penguins waddle across beaches that double as breeding colonies.

Welcome to Big 7 territory. Most safari-goers know about the Big 5, the terrestrial celebrities of African wildlife tourism. The Eastern Cape offers something rarer: those five plus two marine mega-species that turn the province into a year-round wildlife destination. Addo Elephant National Park hosts lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across 180,000 hectares. Drive an hour to the coast and you’re scanning the waves for whales and sharks.

It’s a geographic advantage that’s reshaping how tourists think about South African travel. The Boardwalk precinct in Gqeberha is emerging as the natural hub for this dual experience, with The Capital Boardwalk set to open in 2026 as the city’s first true apartment hotel – a base camp positioned between bush and ocean that gives Big 7 travellers a single, well-located home for exploring both ecosystems.

Eco-tourism in the province is no longer just about game drives and lodge stays. Marine safaris have become as sought-after as traditional bush experiences, with operators offering cage diving, whale watching, and dolphin encounters that rival anything found on terrestrial safaris. The thrill of a great white shark rising through the water column or a southern right whale rolling beside your boat carries the same weight as spotting a leopard in a marula tree.

A tourism ecosystem evolving in real time

This diversification is happening at exactly the right moment. Global tourism trends show travellers increasingly seeking sustainable, multi-experience destinations where conservation and adventure intersect. The Eastern Cape delivers this naturally. SANParks has partnered with Red Sea Global on an SMME Incubation Programme that’s nurturing 20 local enterprises over 18 months, creating pathways for entrepreneurs to build tourism businesses rooted in their communities. These aren’t token initiatives. The programme includes connections with international agencies, sustainability networks, and eco-tourism marketers, giving Eastern Cape operators access to global distribution channels and best practices.

The result is an ecosystem where wildlife experiences, community-based tourism, and international partnerships are creating something bigger than the sum of their parts. A tourist can spend the morning tracking elephants in Addo, the afternoon watching great whites breach off Seal Island, and the evening eating at a restaurant owned by a programme graduate, all while staying in accommodation that understands what modern travellers want.

A place to lay your head

That last piece matters more than it might seem. Eco-tourism can’t scale without infrastructure that meets expectations. Travellers committed to sustainable experiences still want comfort, connectivity, and contemporary design. They want apartments with full kitchens when they’re traveling with family, gym access when they’re extending stays, and proximity to both wildlife attractions and urban amenities.

Set to open in April 2026, The Capital Boardwalk addresses this precisely. The property features 145 units ranging from standard rooms to luxury penthouses, with studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments that work for different travel styles. A restaurant and bar, fully equipped gym, and family-friendly leisure spaces mean guests have a legitimate base camp for exploring the region without compromising on the things that matter when you’re spending a week or more in a destination.

Location amplifies everything. The Capital Boardwalk sits minutes from the coast where marine safaris depart, an hour from Addo’s entrance gates, and inside Gqeberha’s revitalising urban core. Instead of juggling multiple stops or compromising on proximity to either bush or ocean, Big 7 travellers have a single, strategically positioned base for the full Eastern Cape experience. It’s the kind of positioning that makes multi-day itineraries possible without the friction of long transfers or logistical gymnastics.

“We’re watching the Eastern Cape tourism landscape evolve in real time,” says Garnet Basson, COO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts. “The wildlife experiences have always been world-class. What’s changing is the infrastructure around them and the collaborative approach between conservation bodies, local entrepreneurs, and hospitality providers. The Capital Boardwalk is our contribution to that ecosystem. When tourists have a comfortable, well-located base, they explore more, stay longer, and engage more deeply with the region.”

The timing aligns with broader shifts in South African tourism. Domestic travel surged post-pandemic and hasn’t retreated. International arrivals are recovering, with European and American markets showing strong interest in destinations that offer both classic safari experiences and something beyond the standard circuit. The Eastern Cape’s Big 7 narrative, combined with its emerging reputation for sustainable, community-linked tourism, positions it as an alternative to the more saturated safari regions.

Next year this potential converts to momentum. The SMME programme graduates will be launching businesses. International partnerships will be delivering their first cohorts of eco-conscious travellers. Properties like The Capital Boardwalk will be absorbing the extended stays and family bookings that indicate genuine destination confidence rather than just pass-through traffic. As the new anchor in Gqeberha’s tourism ecosystem, The Capital Boardwalk gives Big 7 travellers a modern, long-stay home from April 2026 – infrastructure that matches the ambition of the destination itself.

The December migration will still happen. Roof racks will still groan under the weight of beach gear and optimism. The difference is what travellers will find when they arrive: an Eastern Cape that’s figured out how to turn its natural advantages into a genuinely differentiated tourism offering, where the Big 7 aren’t just marketing copy but the foundation of an ecosystem that works for wildlife, communities, and the visitors who come to experience it all.