The rand has marked one of its best years in recent memory in 2025, with economists expecting the good time to keep rolling in the new year.

Here are five important things happening in South Africa on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.

The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549.

South African workers effectively lose two days off in 2026 despite the country officially having 12 public holidays, but there is a silver lining.

Typical household bills will rise slightly under the new energy cap which takes effect on 1 January.

Wealthy South Africans are increasingly turning their backs on big city living and moving to smaller coastal towns along the Garden Route.