South African Public Holidays
Official national statutory holidays across all nine provinces.
Public Holidays Act Note
According to the South African Public Holidays Act (Act No. 36 of 1994), whenever any statutory public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a formal public holiday with full legal recognition.
2026 Public Holidays
01
JAN
New Year's Day
Thursday
21
MAR
Human Rights Day
Saturday
03
APR
Good Friday
Friday
06
APR
Family Day
Monday
27
APR
Freedom Day
Monday
01
MAY
Workers' Day
Friday
16
JUN
Youth Day
Tuesday
10
AUG
National Women's Day (Observed)
Monday (substitute for Sun 9 Aug)
24
SEP
Heritage Day
Thursday
16
DEC
Day of Reconciliation
Wednesday
25
DEC
Christmas Day
Friday
26
DEC
Day of Goodwill
Saturday
2025 Public Holidays (Archive)
01
JAN
New Year's Day
Wednesday
21
MAR
Human Rights Day
Friday
18
APR
Good Friday
Friday
21
APR
Family Day
Monday
28
APR
Freedom Day (Observed)
Monday
01
MAY
Workers' Day
Thursday
16
JUN
Youth Day
Monday
09
AUG
National Women's Day
Saturday
24
SEP
Heritage Day
Wednesday
16
DEC
Day of Reconciliation
Tuesday
25
DEC
Christmas Day
Thursday
26
DEC
Day of Goodwill
Friday
