South Africa Holidays
Major public holidays celebrated in South Africa in 2026.
South Africa has 12 major public holidays listed below. Of these, 10 fall on the same calendar date every year, 2 change date each year (set by Easter, a lunisolar calendar or the equinox).
New Year's Day
January 1First day of the year
Human Rights Day
March 21Commemorates the Sharpeville massacre of 1960
Good Friday
April 3, 2026Christian observance
Family Day
April 6, 2026Day after Easter Sunday
Freedom Day
April 27Celebrates first democratic elections in 1994
Workers' Day
May 1International Workers' Day
Youth Day
June 16Honors the 1976 Soweto uprising
National Women's Day
August 9Honors the 1956 women's march
Heritage Day
September 24Celebrates cultural heritage and diversity
Day of Reconciliation
December 16Promotes national reconciliation
Christmas Day
December 25Christmas celebration
Day of Goodwill
December 26Day after Christmas
About these dates
This list covers nationwide public holidays. Regional, state or provincial holidays are not included, and governments sometimes announce extra days off or move a holiday when it falls on a weekend. Dates marked "approx." follow the Islamic lunar calendar and are confirmed by moon sighting, so they can shift by a day. Always check with official government sources before making travel or business plans.