South Africa Public Holiday list for 2026
2026 Public Holidays in South Africa
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 Jan |
Thursday |
New Year’s Day |
|
|
21 Mar |
Saturday |
Human Rights Day |
Falls on Saturday – no Monday substitution |
|
3 Apr |
Friday |
Good Friday |
Date varies each year |
|
6 Apr |
Monday |
Family Day |
Easter Monday |
|
27 Apr |
Monday |
Freedom Day |
|
|
1 May |
Friday |
Workers’ Day |
|
|
16 Jun |
Tuesday |
Youth Day |
|
|
9 Aug |
Sunday |
National Women’s Day |
Falls on Sunday |
|
10 Aug |
Monday |
National Women’s Day (Observed) |
Monday substitution because 9 Aug is Sunday |
|
24 Sep |
Thursday |
Heritage Day |
|
|
16 Dec |
Wednesday |
Day of Reconciliation |
|
|
25 Dec |
Friday |
Christmas Day |
|
|
26 Dec |
Saturday |
Day of Goodwill |
Falls on Saturday – no Monday substitution |
1. Only 10 weekday holidays
South Africa officially has 12 public holidays, but in 2026 two fall on Saturdays: Human Rights Day 21 Mar and Day of Goodwill 26 Dec. By law, Saturday holidays do NOT get moved to Monday. So you only get 10 days off during the work week.
2. Long weekends without using leave
- Easter: 3 Apr Fri – 6 Apr Mon = 4-day weekend
- Freedom Day: 27 Apr Mon = 3-day weekend
- Workers’ Day: 1 May Fri = 3-day weekend
- Women’s Day: 9 Aug Sun → 10 Aug Mon observed = 3-day weekend
- Christmas: 25 Dec Fri = 3-day weekend
3. Leave planning tip
Take 3 days leave between Freedom Day 27 Apr Mon and Workers’ Day 1 May Fri to get 9 days off total. Forever Resorts and News24 also highlight this as the best “stretch” week.
4. Rule for Sundays
If a public holiday falls on Sunday, the Monday after becomes a public holiday. That’s why 10 Aug is an observed holiday for National Women’s Day.