Sandtime.io editorial team ·
Public Holidays in South Africa 2026
The stated calendar for South Africa lists 14 holidays in 2026, with 11 falling on weekdays.
Every date, and the day it falls on
South African law adds the following Monday when a public holiday falls on Sunday. The 2027 calendar therefore includes 22 March and 27 December. Saturday holidays are not automatically moved by that rule. Employer-specific shutdowns and leave must be deducted separately.
See the 2027 working hours preview
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | Thursday | 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) | |
| Thu, Sep 24 | Thursday | Heritage Day | |
| Wed, Nov 4 | Wednesday | Local Government Election Day | |
| Wed, Dec 16 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation | |
| Fri, Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | |
| Sat, Dec 26 | Saturday | Day of Goodwill | Weekend |
How do these holidays affect a working calendar?
The 2026 dates shown here include 11 Monday-to-Friday holidays, 2 Saturday dates and 1 Sunday dates. A Monday-to-Friday calendar subtracts the included weekday dates once. Whether weekend holidays create a substitute day or reduce statutory hours depends on the country, region, employer and working schedule.
A listed national or federal holiday is not automatically a paid day off for every private employer. Check the scope statement above: it identifies the calendar being used and the local exceptions. Observed dates already included in the list must not be added a second time. Employer-specific substitutions and regional holidays need an additional check.
What should be checked before the schedule is finalized?
- Confirm the workplace’s country and region, plus any sector-specific holiday rules.
- Choose the actual working weekdays and check official substitute dates.
- Place approved leave and company closures in the schedule separately from public holidays.
- Keep the schedule and the record of hours actually worked as separate documents.
See the monthly working-hour totals · See which months have the most capacity · Download a free work schedule · Local questions and examples
What changes when planning holidays for 2027?
Use the 2027 monthly table to plan next year. Movable holidays and observed dates can fall on different weekdays than in 2026.
For more information about working hours and annual leave in South Africa, see the full working hours guide. For statutory limits, overtime, and record-keeping duties, see the working time rules.
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