South Africa is ending 2025 on a firmer economic footing than a year ago, with improving fundamentals and early signs of recovery.

The City of Ekurhuleni has issued a firm warning ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, saying businesses selling uncertified fireworks will face fines of R2,500, while individuals who set off fireworks illegally will be fined R1,000 on the spot.

This year’s traditional summer circumcision season (umgidi/ulwaluko) in South Africa — especially in the Eastern Cape — has once again taken a tragic toll. Instead of celebrating the coming of age for young men, many families are preparing funerals as the initiation season becomes increasingly deadly