Holiday Guide for South Africa in 2024

South Africa 2024
South Africa
2024

South Africa information

Population: 59.31m
Capital: Pretoria
Calling Code: (27)
Time Zone: +2 UTC
Currency: South African rand
Language: Afrikaans

List of National Holidays in South Africa in 2024

New Year's Day

 Long Weekend! 
New Year's Day

South Africa: New Year's Day is a public holiday in all countries that observe the Gregorian calendar, with the exception of Israel

Human Rights Day


Human Rights Day

South Africa: Marks the establishment of the Human Rights Commission and Sharpeville Day

Good Friday

 Long Weekend! 
Good Friday

South Africa: Good Friday occurs on the Friday before Easter. The day commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus.

Family Day

 Long Weekend! 
Family Day

South Africa: In 1995 Easter Monday was renamed Family Day

Freedom Day


Freedom Day

South Africa: Celebrates freedom and commemorates the first democratic post-apartheid non-racial elections held on April 27th 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela elected as President

Workers' Day


Workers' Day

South Africa: This holiday is most commonly associated as a commemoration of the achievements of the labour movement

Public Holiday


Public Holiday

South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared May 29th 2024 as a public holiday to allow voters to participate in the National and Provincial elections.

Youth Day


Youth Day

South Africa: Previously known as Soweto Day. Youth Day marks the start of the Soweto riots of 1976

Youth Day (in lieu)

 Long Weekend! 
Youth Day (in lieu)

South Africa: Previously known as Soweto Day. Youth Day marks the start of the Soweto riots of 1976

National Women's Day

 Long Weekend! 
National Women's Day

South Africa: 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

Heritage Day


Heritage Day

South Africa: 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

Day of Reconciliation

 Long Weekend! 
Day of Reconciliation

South Africa: The Day of Reconciliation aims to to foster reconciliation between different racial groups in South Africa

Christmas Day


Christmas Day

South Africa: Christmas celebrates the Nativity of Jesus which according to tradition took place on December 25th 1 BC

Day of Goodwill


Day of Goodwill

South Africa: The second day of Christmas is known as Boxing Day or St. Stephens Day. St Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

Notes

  • The South African Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following it will be a public holiday.