Reuters reports the rand ended 2025 nearly 13% stronger against the dollar, its biggest annual gain in 16 years, helped by a broadly weaker USD, an improvement in South Africa’s fiscal position, strong precious‑metal prices, S&P’s credit‑rating upgrade, and removal from the FATF “grey list.”

Here is the Perplexity link, with further links therein.

While it is now more expensive than before, Cape Town is one of the very best tourist experiences you can have right now, anywhere.  For “social science interesting” it is A+, English suffices, it has some of the best scenery, near perfect weather, it has layers and layers of history, with many distinct neighborhoods and “worlds” contained within, and it can be done safely.  The food is very tasty, but not original enough to be the reason to come here.  Plus there is wildlife, most notably the largest penguin colony at Boulder Bay, or safari if you wish to go a few hours out of town.  Zeitz art museum is excellent, and you will not see those works in any other countries.  From Dulles you can fly here direct.

So you should go.