Public holidays in South Africa, 2026
13 public holidays, 10 of them on a weekday - days when the verdict for South Africa drops from PING to MAYBE. Next up: Day of Reconciliation on Wednesday 16 December.
2026 dates
| Date | Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day | Thursday |
| 21 March | Human Rights Day | Saturday |
| 3 April | Good Friday | Friday |
| 6 April | Family Day | Monday |
| 27 April | Freedom Day | Monday |
| 1 May | Workers' Day | Friday |
| 16 June | Youth Day | Tuesday |
| 9 August | National Women's Day | Sunday |
| 10 August | Public Holiday | Monday |
| 24 September | Heritage Day | Thursday |
| 16 December | Day of Reconciliation | Wednesday |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Friday |
| 26 December | Day of Goodwill | Saturday |
Questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?
13 nationwide public holidays, 10 falling on a weekday. Regional holidays are not included.
What is the next public holiday in South Africa?
Day of Reconciliation, on Wednesday 16 December 2026.
Should I message colleagues on a public holiday?
Asleep marks public holidays as MAYBE: people may be reachable, but don’t expect a reply. Schedule-send for the next working day if it can wait.