Thandiswa Mazwai has announced the launch of the Sankofa Heritage Fest. This cultural festival is set to take place on 28 February 2026 at Carnival City in Johannesburg.

Mazwai’s career spans three decades. She became an instant hit in the late 1990s with the influential kwaito and Afro‑urban collective Bongo Maffin. She then established herself as a solo artist.

Thandiswa Mazwai: Instagram

Thandiswa Mazwai who recently won 4 SAMA Awards for Sankofa is very popular among South America African music enthusiasts. This event will bring in Somi and South African singer songwriter Msaki, both showing their African heritage and lyrical skills. Their participation shows the festival’s commitment to presenting influential figures in the industry.

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In addition to its performances, the Sankofa Heritage Fest includes a competition for emerging traditional musicians, bands, and groups. This offers them the opportunity to open the festival and reach a wider audience. Encouraging new talents is Mazwai’s fostering community empowerment.

Thandiswa Mazwai: Instagram

The festival is supported by the Department of Sports Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy Initiative. This will help promote South African cultural heritage and tradition.

Her album Sankofa has received multiple awards, highlighting her impact on the music scene. The themes of the album aligns with the festival’s objective. Thandiswa other songs like Ndiilinde, Umlenze and Pfuma have put her the global map.

Every January begins with the same hopeful ritual. Someone has already swore that this is the year they will wake up at 5 am, save money, avoid alcohol and become a completely new person. By mid February, they are already back to their old habits. So the big question remains: do New Year’s resolutions really last?

A lady listing down her resolutions: Forbes

At their core, New Year’s resolutions are promises people make to themselves at the start of a new year. They are usually tied to self improvement. Better health, habits,finances, and relationships. The new year feels symbolic. A clean slate. A chance to rewrite the story. There is something powerful about that collective moment when the calendar changes and everyone feels like change is possible.

But reality often hits fast. Most resolutions don’t make it past the first few weeks. One reason is that most resolutions are made due to excitement, not logic. People make decisions without mapping out how realistic it is. There are several ways to set new year resolutions, assumptions aren’t part of it.

Another reason resolutions fail is that they are too extreme. Someone who wants to engage in simple self care habits that makes a difference but has poor hygiene. A friend once said she quit her resolution by January 10 because it felt like punishment. The truth is, drastic changes are hard to sustain.

An African Writing : IStock

There is also the pressure factor. Many people make resolutions because it feels expected. Everyone is doing it, so they join in. A friend admitted he made a resolution to read 10 books  because it sounded impressive, not because he enjoyed reading. By the end of January, he had not finished one chapter. When a goal does not connect to your real desires, motivation disappears.

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So what actually makes resolutions work?

First, be clear on what you want and can do. Don’t say things that aren’t realistic. Be honest with yourself, rather than saying “I want to be healthier,” say “I will walk for 15 minutes three times a week.” Clear goals can be achieved even when motivation drops.

An Hopeful Woman : FreePix

Second, start small. Don’t be in a hurry to achieve your goals. Small habits when done consistently will last. People who succeed often focus on progress, not perfection.

Third, detach from the calendar. A goal does not need January 1 to be valid. When people stop seeing resolutions as a once a year event and start seeing growth as ongoing, they remove unnecessary pressure.

Beautiful African Woman Writing Down her Resolutions : Yahoo

Finally, don’t be scared to fail. Missing a day or two should not deter you. People who stick with their resolutions are not those who won’t fail, but those who stand up when they fall.

So do New Year’s resolutions really last? Most do not. They fail because they are rushed, unrealistic, and not done logically. When goals are honest, flexible, and personal, they aren’t just New Year’s resolutions, they become habits.

Many cultures attach deep significance to the first moments of the year. Across continents, people believe certain actions can influence luck, wealth, health, and peace of mind. These rituals are cultural expressions of hope and collective belief in many climes.

A Man Jumping: Yahoo News

Jumping Over a Surface in South Afric

When exploring superstitions in of South Africa, especially in urban areas, there is a popular belief that you can physically enter the new year. Some people jump off a chair or raised surface at midnight to symbolize entering the year. The act represents leaving behind troubles and landing firmly into a new chapter. It is often done in homes among friends and family.

Yam : Punch

Eating Yam for Strength in Nigeria

In Nigeria,especially in the South West part, yam holds cultural importance .This food is associated with strength and prosperity. Some families believe eating it around the new year helps ensure stability, good health, and abundance. Since yam is linked to survival and hard work, eating it is seen as a good way to celebrate the new year.

A Ghanaian Man: Ghana Web

Eating Yam for Strength in Nigeria

In Ghana, wearing new clothes on New Year’s Day is seen as a sign of progress. Many people believe starting the year in something new attracts positive energy and brings in jew tidings. This superstition is tied to the idea of leaving old things behind and moving the new year with confidence and hoping for better opportunities.

Read Also :Luxury Escapes and Travel Ideas for the First Days of 2026

People Pouring Water: BBC

Throwing Water for Fresh Starts in Thailand

In Thailand, the New Year is  celebrated with throwing water during Songkran. Water signifies cleansing and renewal. People believe splashing water washes away bad luck and misfortune. Although it has become a public celebration, the superstition remains rooted in the belief that starting the year clean brings peace and good fortune.

Grapes and Clock: ShutterShock

Eating Twelve Grapes for Luck in Spain

In Spain, people eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock. Each grape represents a month of the coming year.When you successfully eat all twelve before the year ends , it is believed to bring good luck throughout the year. This tradition is widely practiced and often shared on social media.

Empty Suitcases: Metador News

Carrying an Empty Suitcase in Colombia

In Colombia, a popular New Year superstition involves walking around with an empty suitcase after midnight. This act is believed to attract new experiences in the coming year. Even those who don’t have immediate travel plans take part, hoping for new opportunity, and adventure.

From food and clothing to cultural actions, New Year superstitions differ from one country to another. The intention is to start the year with purpose, optimism, and the belief that their actions will bring good fortunes.