---
source: South African Government (gov.za)
url: https://www.gov.za/about-sa/public-holidays
document_type: html
date_retrieved: 2026-05-01
period: 2026 (Workers' Day)
parent_publication: Public Holidays in South Africa
indicators_covered: [Workers' Day holiday date]
---

# Public holidays in South Africa

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

## 2026

**1 May: Workers' Day**

Other 2026 holidays:
- 1 January: New Year's Day
- 21 March: Human Rights Day
- 3 April: Good Friday
- 6 April: Family Day
- 27 April: Freedom Day
- 16 June: Youth Day
- 9 August: National Women's Day
- 10 August: Public holiday National Women's Day observed
- 24 September: Heritage Day
- 16 December: Day of Reconciliation
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: Day of Goodwill

## 2027

**1 May: Workers' Day**

*Note: When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following is observed as a public holiday.*