PROJECT: POST-FESTIVE SEASON REALITIES' SHOCK

Isabel Spies
1 day ago
4 min read

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SSS Insights into the New Year 2026

The conclusion of the festive season often brings reflection on both celebration and consequence.

Specialised Security Services (SSS) has observed that the period following December 2025

has left many South Africans facing lingering challenges related to personal safety,

financial strain, and emotional well-being.

While the festive season is meant to foster joy and community,

the aftermath can reveal vulnerabilities that persist into the New Year.

This project examines the post-festive realities of early 2026, highlighting the consequences of the

2025 celebrations and the role of SSS in supporting citizen safety and resilience.

FINANCIAL STRAIN AND ITS SECURITY IMPLICATIONS:

The SADAG 2025 Festive Feeling Study indicated that a significant portion of South Africans entered the festive season under financial stress.
As a result, many households in January 2026 are grappling with debt, overspending, and depleted savings.
SSS has noted that such financial pressure can directly impact safety:
- Increased vulnerability to scams, fraud, and theft as individuals seek quick financial relief.
- Risky behaviour, such as carrying large sums of cash or accepting unsafe work opportunities.
- Strain on community resources, where disputes over shared finances or housing can escalate into conflict.
This post-festive financial pressure demonstrates that the repercussions of December extend beyond celebrations, shaping citizens’ safety and security in the New Year.

ELEVATED CRIME AND OPPORTUNISTIC THREATS:

January is historically associated with a spike in criminal activity, a trend SSS has confirmed in the early weeks of 2026.
The combination of festive season fatigue, economic stress, and public gatherings has created conditions favourable to crime, including:
- Residential burglaries targeting homes that remain unoccupied after holidays.
- Vehicle thefts, especially common for vehicles used for festive travel.
- Opportunistic street crimes, including robberies and scams.
SSS advises that citizens remain vigilant even after the festive season ends, as criminals often exploit the residual relaxation of security measures taken during December.

EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL AFTEREFFECTS:

The SADAG study also highlighted emotional challenges linked to the festive season.
Many South Africans reported stress, anxiety, and social isolation during December, which have carried over into the New Year.
Emotional vulnerability can exacerbate security risks:
- Individuals under stress may be less alert to potential threats.
- Domestic tensions can rise in households facing financial or relational strain.
- Isolation increases susceptibility to online fraud, predatory behaviour, or unsafe social interactions.
SSS stresses the importance of ongoing emotional support in January, recommending access to mental health resources, safe community engagement, and deliberate planning to reduce stress-induced risks.

PROACTIVE SAFETY MEASURES FOR THE NEW YEAR:

The transition into 2026 offers an opportunity for citizens to adopt preventative security measures based on lessons from the festive season.
- REASSESS HOME SECURITY:
  - Check alarm systems, secure access points, and review holiday absence protocols.
- FINANCIAL VIGILANCE:
  - Avoid impulse spending, be cautious with unfamiliar offers, and plan debt repayment.
- COMMUNITY COLLABORATION:
  - Strengthen neighbourhood watch groups, report suspicious activity, and maintain communication networks.
- PERSONAL WELL-BEING:
  - Prioritise rest, mental health, and awareness of stress-related vulnerabilities.
Through these measures, SSS aims to mitigate the post-festive surge in crime and support citizens as they regain stability in the New Year.

The impact of the 2025 festive season has extended into the New Year, revealing financial, emotional,

and security challenges for South Africans. Specialised Security Services emphasises that vigilance, preparation,

and community collaboration remain critical in January 2026 and beyond.

By learning from the festive period, citizens can better protect themselves, reduce risk,

and start the New Year with a focus on both safety and well-being.

SSS remains committed to supporting the public through monitoring, guidance, and practical security interventions,

ensuring that the promise of a safe and stable 2026 is within reach for all South Africans.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

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ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

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