01 January 2017

Public Holidays in South Africa

South Africa has 12 public holidays as determined by the Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) [PDF]. The Act determines whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following on it shall be a public holiday.

1 January: New Year’s Day

2 January: Public holiday

21 March: Human Rights Day

14 April: Good Friday*

17 April: Family Day*

27 April: Freedom Day

1 May: Workers Day

16 June: Youth Day

9 August: National Women’s Day

24 September: Heritage Day

25 September: Public holiday

16 December: Day of Reconciliation

25 December: Christmas Day

26 December: Day of Goodwill


Source: South African Government

New Years Eve Celebrations V&A Waterfront Cape Town   Image: Vernon Chalmers
New Years Eve Fireworks Celebrations V&A Waterfront Cape Town   Image: Vernon Chalmers