South Africa Public Holidays for
South Africa has 13 public holidays in 2026. 10 fall on weekdays, 3 on weekends.
All 13 public holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Mar 21 | Saturday(weekend) | Human Rights Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Family Day |
| Apr 27 | Monday | Freedom Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Youth Day |
| Aug 9 | Sunday(weekend) | National Women's Day |
| Aug 10 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Sep 24 | Thursday | Heritage Day |
| Dec 16 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday(weekend) | Day of Goodwill |
Plan your time off
10 holidays fall on weekdays in 2026 — here are the best periods to extend them into long breaks using fewer leave days.
5 days off · 1 leave day
Apr 2 – Apr 6
Good Friday, Family Day
5 days off · 1 leave day
Apr 3 – Apr 7
Good Friday, Family Day
4 days off · 1 leave day
Jan 1 – Jan 4
New Year's Day
4 days off · 1 leave day
Apr 25 – Apr 28
Freedom Day
4 days off · 1 leave day
Apr 30 – May 3
Workers' Day
4 days off · 1 leave day
May 1 – May 4
Workers' Day
4 days off · 1 leave day
Jun 13 – Jun 16
Youth Day
4 days off · 1 leave day
Aug 8 – Aug 11
National Women's Day, Public Holiday
4 days off · 1 leave day
Sep 24 – Sep 27
Heritage Day
4 days off · 1 leave day
Dec 24 – Dec 27
Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill
Leave entitlements in South Africa
South African employees are entitled to 21 consecutive days (15 working days) of annual leave. South Africa has 12 public holidays.