As 2025 rushes to a close, I’m amazed at how, despite difficulties in the past 12 months, the people around me are filled with incredible gratitude and a growing excitement for 2026. 

In our team session last week, the conversation was about facing illness, divorce, family deaths, personal and work disappointments. Yet despite these challenges, every single person expressed how on reflection, these painful periods had brought them unique gifts, insights, personal transformation and a deep sense of gratitude for the year.

It’s this spirit of resilience that makes South Africans remarkable – the ability to look hardship in the eye and see a light shining on the other side. This is not only in the Fetola team – entrepreneurs message us on a daily basis, sharing stories about ways in which they have overcome challenges, and turned opportunities into doorways for success. 

Personally, this year I quietly experienced the hot coals of burnout. A reminder that no one (not even the very tough!) is immune. With the support of wonderful people around me, the great gift of these tough months has seen a new me emerge fitter, crystal clear and irrepressibly enthusiastic for 2026! 

As a country, the G20 was a celebration of our unique beautify and potential as a country and shone a light on Africa’s great riches. It’s been a confidence-builder for South Africans to see global leaders line up to support us. This growing confidence and greater clarity on what really matters in the future is the fuel for greater personal, national and Africa-wide success. 

As we sign off for the year, I invite you to reflect on what you have come through in 2025 and feel the enthusiasm for good things that lie over the horizon in 2026. 

May you have a blessed holiday season, filled with the love of your people, and the roots of success for your business, your family, your community and the country.