Holidays and Observances in South Africa for 2026

What are the main holidays in South Africa? As with most countries, national holidays in South Africa generally mark religious, quasi-religious or patriotic occasions. Below is a listing of all public holidays in South Africa. Add these holidays to a calendar using our calendar maker. Click on any holiday below for more details and dates for the next 10 years.

2026 SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAYS

DateDayHoliday NameHoliday Type
JANUARY
Jan 1ThursdayNew Years DayNational
Jan 2FridayTweede Nuwe JaarObservance
MARCH
Mar 21SaturdayHuman Rights DayNational
APRIL
Apr 3FridayGood FridayNational
Apr 4SaturdayHoly SaturdayObservance
Apr 5SundayEaster SundayObservance
Apr 6MondayFamily DayNational
Apr 27MondayFreedom DayNational
MAY
May 1FridayWorkers DayNational
May 10SundayMothers DayObservance
JUNE
Jun 16TuesdayYouth DayNational
Jun 21SundayFathers DayObservance
JULY
Jul 18SaturdayNelson Mandela DayObservance
AUGUST
Aug 9SundayNational Womens DayNational
Aug 10MondayDay off for National Womens DayNational
SEPTEMBER
Sep 24ThursdayHeritage DayNational
DECEMBER
Dec 16WednesdayDay of ReconciliationNational
Dec 24ThursdayChristmas EveObservance
Dec 25FridayChristmas DayNational
Dec 26SaturdayDay of GoodwillNational
Dec 31ThursdayNew Years EveObservance