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South Africa Public Holidays 2026

Complete list of public holidays — nationwide & regional

2025 2026 2027
South Africa observes 12 nationwide public holidays in 2026. Of these, 3 fall on a weekend this particular year, which leaves 9 on working days — a detail worth checking, since holidays that land on a Saturday or Sunday are not always compensated with a day off in lieu. There are 3 clear "bridge day" opportunities this year — where a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, so taking the single adjoining day off turns it into a four-day weekend. The calendar opens with New Year's Day on Thursday 1 January and closes with Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) on Saturday 26 December.

Nationwide Holidays 2026

12 holidays
🇩🇪 Public Holidays for all of South Africa
1 Jan 2026 Thu New Year's Day Nationwide
21 Mar 2026 Sat Human Rights Day Nationwide
3 Apr 2026 Fri Good Friday Nationwide
6 Apr 2026 Mon Family Day (Easter Monday) Nationwide
27 Apr 2026 Mon Freedom Day Nationwide
1 May 2026 Fri Workers' Day Nationwide
16 Jun 2026 Tue Youth Day Nationwide
9 Aug 2026 Sun National Women's Day Nationwide
24 Sept 2026 Thu Heritage Day Nationwide
16 Dec 2026 Wed Day of Reconciliation Nationwide
25 Dec 2026 Fri Christmas Day Nationwide
26 Dec 2026 Sat Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) Nationwide

Regional Holidays 2026

by region