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Public Holidays in South Africa — 2026

South Africa observes 12 public holidays in 2026. The table below lists every holiday with its local name and whether it applies nationwide.

DateHolidayLocal nameScope
Thursday, January 1, 2026New Year's DayNationwide
Saturday, March 21, 2026Human Rights DayNationwide
Friday, April 3, 2026Good FridayNationwide
Monday, April 6, 2026Family DayNationwide
Monday, April 27, 2026Freedom DayNationwide
Friday, May 1, 2026Workers' DayNationwide
Tuesday, June 16, 2026Youth DayNationwide
Monday, August 10, 2026National Women's DayNationwide
Thursday, September 24, 2026Heritage DayNationwide
Wednesday, December 16, 2026Day of ReconciliationNationwide
Friday, December 25, 2026Christmas DayNationwide
Saturday, December 26, 2026Day of GoodwillSt. Stephen's DayNationwide

Working days per month in 2026 (Mon–Fri excluding nationwide holidays)

MonthWorking days
January21
February20
March22
April19
May20
June21
July23
August20
September21
October22
November21
December21

2027 holidays preview

DateHoliday
Friday, January 1, 2027New Year's Day
Monday, March 22, 2027Human Rights Day
Friday, March 26, 2027Good Friday
Monday, March 29, 2027Family Day
Tuesday, April 27, 2027Freedom Day
Saturday, May 1, 2027Workers' Day
Wednesday, June 16, 2027Youth Day
Monday, August 9, 2027National Women's Day
Friday, September 24, 2027Heritage Day
Thursday, December 16, 2027Day of Reconciliation
Saturday, December 25, 2027Christmas Day
Monday, December 27, 2027Day of Goodwill
Note: weekend days are assumed to be Saturday and Sunday; some countries use different weekends. Regional holidays may not apply everywhere. Source: Nager.Date open holiday database. Verify critical dates with official government sources.