Public holidays in South Africa 2026
12 nationwide public holidays in South Africa in 2026. Source: Nager.Date public-holiday database, fetched at build time.
South Africa 2026 holiday calendar
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Local name | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day | - | Nationwide |
| March 21 | Saturday | Human Rights Day | - | Nationwide |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | - | Nationwide |
| April 6 | Monday | Family Day | - | Nationwide |
| April 27 | Monday | Freedom Day | - | Nationwide |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day | - | Nationwide |
| June 16 | Tuesday | Youth Day | - | Nationwide |
| August 10 | Monday | National Women's Day | - | Nationwide |
| September 24 | Thursday | Heritage Day | - | Nationwide |
| December 16 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation | - | Nationwide |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | - | Nationwide |
| December 26 | Saturday | Day of Goodwill | St. Stephen's Day | Nationwide |
Is it a public holiday in South Africa?
- Is January 1, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, New Year's Day, a Thursday.
- Is March 21, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Human Rights Day, a Saturday.
- Is April 3, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Good Friday, a Friday.
- Is April 6, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Family Day, a Monday.
- Is April 27, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Freedom Day, a Monday.
- Is May 1, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Workers' Day, a Friday.
- Is June 16, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Youth Day, a Tuesday.
- Is August 10, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, National Women's Day, a Monday.
- Is September 24, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Heritage Day, a Thursday.
- Is December 16, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Day of Reconciliation, a Wednesday.
- Is December 25, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Christmas Day, a Friday.
- Is December 26, 2026 a public holiday in South Africa? Yes, Day of Goodwill (St. Stephen's Day), a Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?
12 nationwide public holidays.
What is the next public holiday in South Africa?
As of July 12, 2026, the next nationwide public holiday is National Women's Day on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Do public holidays differ by region in South Africa?
No, every listed 2026 holiday applies nationwide.
How many 2026 holidays fall on a weekend?
2 of the 12 nationwide holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday (Human Rights Day, Day of Goodwill). Whether a substitute weekday off applies depends on national rules.