National Holidays in South Africa in 2026
Upcoming Holidays in South Africa
Touch a holiday for details
: New Year's Day
- New Year's Day is a public holiday in all countries that observe the Gregorian calendar, with the exception of Israel
- More details about New Year's Day
: Human Rights Day
- Marks the establishment of the Human Rights Commission and Sharpeville Day
- More details about Human Rights Day
: Good Friday
- Good Friday occurs on the Friday before Easter. The day commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus.
- More details about Good Friday
: Family Day
- In 1995 Easter Monday was renamed Family Day
- More details about Family Day
: Freedom Day
- Celebrates freedom and commemorates the first democratic post-apartheid non-racial elections held on April 27th 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela elected as President
- More details about Freedom Day
: Workers' Day
- This holiday is most commonly associated as a commemoration of the achievements of the labour movement
- More details about Workers' Day
: Youth Day
- Previously known as Soweto Day. Youth Day marks the start of the Soweto riots of 1976
- More details about Youth Day
: National Women's Day
- The holiday commemorates the national march of women on this day in 1956 to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the pass
- More details about National Women's Day
: National Women's Day (in lieu)
- The holiday commemorates the national march of women on this day in 1956 to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the pass
- More details about National Women's Day (in lieu)
: Heritage Day
- Known as Erfenisdag in Afrikaans, the intention of Heritage Day is for all South Africans to celebrate their heritage, the diversity of their beliefs and traditions and remember their struggles against Apartheid
- More details about Heritage Day
: Public Holiday
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the official date for the 2026 local government elections has been set for 4 November.
- More details about Public Holiday
: Day of Reconciliation
- The Day of Reconciliation aims to to foster reconciliation between different racial groups in South Africa
- More details about Day of Reconciliation
: Christmas Day
- Christmas celebrates the Nativity of Jesus which according to tradition took place on December 25th 1 BC
- More details about Christmas Day
: Day of Goodwill
- The second day of Christmas is known as Boxing Day or St. Stephens Day. St Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
- More details about Day of Goodwill