Working Hours 2026 - South Africa
Complete guide to working hours, public holidays, and annual leave in South Africa for 2026
Working Hours and Leave in South Africa 2026
Standard Work Week
- 9 hours per day
- 5 days per week
- 45 hours per week
Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 (s.9), an employer may not require or permit an employee to work more than 45 hours per week. On a 5-day week this means a maximum of 9 hours per day; on a 6-day week, 8 hours per day.
Annual Leave Entitlement
21 days
21 consecutive days or 15 working days per year (3 weeks).
Monthly Averages
- 20.9 working days/month
- 188.3 working hours/month
Monthly Working Hours Goals 2026
Expected working hours per month based on 9-hour workday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
| Month | Working Days | Monthly Goal |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 21 | 189.00 |
| February 2026 | 20 | 180.00 |
| March 2026 | 22 | 198.00 |
| April 2026 | 19 | 171.00 |
| May 2026 | 20 | 180.00 |
| June 2026 | 21 | 189.00 |
| July 2026 | 23 | 207.00 |
| August 2026 | 20 | 180.00 |
| September 2026 | 21 | 189.00 |
| October 2026 | 22 | 198.00 |
| November 2026 | 21 | 189.00 |
| December 2026 | 21 | 189.00 |
| Total | 251 | 2,259.00 |
Public Holidays in South Africa 2026
South Africa has 13 public holidays in 2026, with 10 falling on weekdays. See full public holidays list
Understanding Holiday Types
Different countries use different terminology for non-working days. Here is what each term means for workforce planning.
Public Holidays
Official days off recognized by a country’s government. Most employees are entitled to paid leave, and businesses may close or operate with reduced staff.
Federal Holidays
Holidays established by a national government, primarily affecting government offices and federally-regulated employers. Private companies may choose whether to observe them.
Bank Holidays
Days when banks and financial institutions are closed. In the UK, this term is synonymous with public holidays. Important for payroll processing and payment schedules.
Observances
Notable dates that are not official days off. Examples include Earth Day or Mother’s Day. These do not affect work schedules unless an employer chooses to recognize them.
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (New Year's Day) | |
| Sat, Mar 21 | Saturday | Human Rights Day | Weekend |
| Fri, Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday | |
| Mon, Apr 6 | Monday | Family Day | |
| Mon, Apr 27 | Monday | Freedom Day | |
| Fri, May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day | |
| Tue, Jun 16 | Tuesday | Youth Day | |
| Sun, Aug 9 | Sunday | Women’s Day (National Women's Day) | Weekend |
| Mon, Aug 10 | Monday | Women’s Day (observed) (Women's Day (observed)) | |
| Thu, Sep 24 | Thursday | Heritage Day | |
| Wed, Dec 16 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation | |
| Fri, Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | |
| Sat, Dec 26 | Saturday | Day of Goodwill | Weekend |
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