Below you'll find 2026's official holidays for South Africa. This list includes all government-recognized public holidays when businesses and offices may be closed.
South Africa Public Holidays 2026
South Africa
There are 13 public holidays in South Africa for 2026. There are also bank and optional holidays across the country. Explore calendars for different countries or religions to learn more about their significant dates.
| Date | Day | Holiday name |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | Thu | New Year's Day |
| 2026-03-21 | Sat | Human Rights Day |
| 2026-04-03 | Fri | Good Friday |
| 2026-04-06 | Mon | Family Day |
| 2026-04-27 | Mon | Freedom Day |
| 2026-05-01 | Fri | Workers' Day |
| 2026-06-16 | Tue | Youth Day |
| 2026-08-09 | Sun | National Women's Day |
| 2026-08-10 | Mon | Public Holiday |
| 2026-09-24 | Thu | Heritage Day |
| 2026-12-16 | Wed | Day of Reconciliation |
| 2026-12-25 | Fri | Christmas Day |
| 2026-12-26 | Sat | Day of Goodwill |
Experience South Africa's Diverse Culture Through its Public Holidays
South Africa's public holidays reflect its rich history and cultural diversity. This guide highlights key celebrations that showcase South African traditions.
South Africa Public Holidays 2026
New Year's Day - January 1, 2026
- National public holiday
- Family gatherings and celebrations
- Most businesses closed
Human Rights Day - March 21, 2026
- Commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre
- Events and ceremonies nationwide
- Most businesses open
Popular Holiday Destinations
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