Public holidays in South Africa 2026
12 public holidays this year
16
Jun
Next public holiday
Youth Day
Tuesday · June 16, 2026
in 21 days
Full calendar
- 1JanNew Year's DayThursday · January 1Public
- 21MarHuman Rights DaySaturday · March 21Public
- 3AprGood FridayFriday · April 3Public
- 6AprFamily DayMonday · April 6Public
- 27AprFreedom DayMonday · April 27Public
- 1MayWorkers' DayFriday · May 1Public
- 16JunYouth DayTuesday · June 16Public
- 10AugNational Women's DayMonday · August 10Public
- 24SepHeritage DayThursday · September 24Public
- 16DecDay of ReconciliationWednesday · December 16Public
- 25DecChristmas DayFriday · December 25Public
- 26DecSt. Stephen's DayDay of GoodwillSaturday · December 26Public
Stats
12
Total holidays
3
Possible long weekends (Tue/Thu)
2
Holidays falling on a weekend
About local holidays
South Africa observes twelve public holidays. Several commemorate the end of apartheid: Human Rights Day (March 21, 1960 Sharpeville Massacre), Freedom Day (April 27, 1994 first multiracial elections), Workers' Day (May 1), Youth Day (June 16, 1976 Soweto uprising), Heritage Day (Sept 24), Day of Reconciliation (Dec 16). Christmas and Day of Goodwill (Dec 26) close the year. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is off.