South Africa (ZA)
South Africa combines English-friendly professional life, major finance and tech hubs, relatively affordable private healthcare and housing, world-class nature, wine regions and a complex but vibrant post-apartheid society.
Capital: Pretoria
Region: Africa
Language: Zulu
Currency: ZAR (R)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 32)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
14 holidays in South Africa. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
New Year's Day
Nationwide public holiday.
March 2026
Sat 21
Human Rights Day Public Holiday
Human Rights Day
Commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre and the constitutional rights framework.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Good Friday
Easter date varies each year.
Mon 6
Family Day Public Holiday
Family Day
Easter Monday public holiday.
Mon 27
Freedom Day Public Holiday
Freedom Day
Marks South Africa's first democratic election on 27 April 1994.
May 2026
Fri 1
Workers' Day Public Holiday
Workers' Day
Labour Day public holiday.
June 2026
Tue 16
Youth Day Public Holiday
Youth Day
Commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising.
August 2026
Sun 9
National Women's Day Public Holiday
National Women's Day
Falls on a Sunday in 2026.
Mon 10
Women's Day observed Public Holiday
Public holiday
Observed Monday because 9 August falls on a Sunday.
September 2026
Thu 24
Heritage Day Public Holiday
Heritage Day
Often celebrated as Braai Day.
November 2026
Wed 4
Local Government Elections Day Public Holiday
Municipal Elections
Election day is designated a public holiday under the Electoral Act. Government offices, schools, and many businesses closed. Date subject to official proclamation by the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) — confirm date annually.
December 2026
Wed 16
Day of Reconciliation Public Holiday
Day of Reconciliation
A public holiday intended to foster reconciliation and national unity.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Christmas Day
Major family and summer-holiday travel day.
Sat 26
Day of Goodwill Public Holiday
Day of Goodwill
Boxing Day equivalent.
Note: Some holidays in South Africa apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.