Public holidays play a significant role in every country’s culture and calendar. In South Africa, these special days hold cultural, historical, and social significance, bringing communities together to celebrate, commemorate, and reflect. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the diverse public holidays in South Africa, shedding light on their dates, traditions, and vibrant celebrations that mark each occasion.
There are 10 Public holidays In South Africa, as determined by the Public Holidays Act (Act No. 36 of 1994). The Act determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following it shall be a public holiday.
New Year’s Day – January 1st
Human Rights Day: March 21st
Good Friday – Date varies (Christian holiday)
Family Day – Date varies (Christian holiday)
Freedom Day – April 27th
Worker’s Day (May Day) – May 1st
Youth Day – June 16th
National Women’s Day – August 9th
Heritage Day – September 24th
Day of Reconciliation – December 16th
Christmas Day – December 25th
Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) – December 26th
The dates on which Good Friday and Easter Sunday fall are determined according to the ecclesiastical moon. That varies each year, but they fall at some point between late March and late April.
2023 Public Holidays in South Africa
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Jan | Mon | New Year’s Holiday |
| 21 Mar | Tue | Human Rights Day |
| 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday |
| 10 Apr | Mon | Family Day |
| 27 Apr | Thu | Freedom Day |
| 1 May | Mon | Workers’ Day |
| 16 Jun | Fri | Youth Day |
| 9 Aug | Wed | National Women’s Day |
| 24 Sep | Sun | Heritage Day |
| 25 Sep | Mon | Heritage Day Holiday |
| 16 Dec | Sat | Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Tue | Day of Goodwill |
2024 Public holidays In SA
1 January: New Year’s Day
21 March: Human Rights Day
29 March: Good Friday *
1 April: Family Day
27 April: Freedom Day
1 May: Workers’ Day
16 June: Youth Day
17 June: Public holiday Youth Day observed **
9 August: National Women’s Day
24 September: Heritage Day
16 December: Day of Reconciliation
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Day of Goodwill
Source….Scoutafrica.net
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