South Africa Public Holidays
South Africa's public holidays are governed by the Public Holidays Act of 1994 and centre on the country's democratic history alongside a few religious dates. Several holidays commemorate key events from the struggle against apartheid.
Last updated 3 July 2026.
Next holiday
National Women's Day
9 August 2026 (Sunday), in 37 days
Upcoming public holidays
The holidays that matter most in South Africa
Freedom Day
Freedom Day on 27 April marks the first non-racial democratic elections held in 1994.
Youth Day
Youth Day on 16 June commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising, when schoolchildren protested against apartheid education policy.
Day of Reconciliation
The Day of Reconciliation on 16 December is intended to promote national unity, and falls on a date that held significance for different communities in the past.
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How public holidays work in South Africa
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday under the Public Holidays Act. Public holidays are the days most workplaces and schools in South Africa treat as days off, so they shape when people travel, book time away and plan around childcare. Religious holidays and wider observances sit alongside them. They are not always days off, but they are dates many households still mark. Each year page lists the public and religious holidays in full, and OneHaus keeps the complete set current in your shared home calendar.
Get South Africa holidays in your shared calendar, automatically
Stop copying dates across by hand. OneHaus subscribes your whole home to South Africa's national and religious holidays, keeps them current, and shares them on iPhone and in any browser. Start with a free 30-day trial, no card needed, then one subscription covers everyone in your home.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have?
South Africa has 13 public holidays in 2026. Open a year below to see each one with its date and day of the week.
When is the next holiday in South Africa?
The next holiday is National Women's Day on 9 August 2026 (Sunday).
Can I add South Africa holidays to my calendar?
Yes. OneHaus subscribes your whole home to South Africa's holidays and keeps them up to date, so they show up in your shared calendar on iPhone and in any browser. Start with a free 30-day trial, no card needed, then one subscription covers everyone in your home.