South African Public Holidays
There are 12 national public holidays in South Africa each year. Employees are entitled to paid leave if these days fall on Monday to Friday.
Should the public holiday fall on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday. Should the public holiday fall on Saturday, nothing happens.
2024
1 January – Monday: New Year’s Day
21 March – Thursday: Human Rights Day
29 March – Friday: Good Friday
1 April – Monday: Family Day
27 April – Saturday: Freedom Day
1 May – Wednesday: Workers’ Day
29 May – Wednesday: Elections Day
16 June – Sunday: Youth Day
17 June – Monday: Public holiday Youth Day observed **
9 August – Friday: National Women’s Day
24 September – Tuesday: Heritage Day
16 December – Monday: Day of Reconciliation
25 December – Wednesday: Christmas Day
26 December – Thursday: Day of Goodwill
2025
1 January – Wednesday: New Year’s Day