5days off
Freedom Day
25–27 Apr 2026
3 days · no leave1 PTO → 4 days2 PTO → 5 days
South Africa · 2026
South Africa public holidays 2026
Official public holidays in South Africa for 2026, with weekdays, countdowns and the long weekends you can build around them.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | |
| 21 Mar 2026 | Saturday | Human Rights Day | |
| 3 Apr 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Monday | Family Day | |
| 27 Apr 2026 | Monday | Freedom Day | |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Workers' Day | |
| 16 Jun 2026 | Tuesday | Youth Day | |
| 10 Aug 2026 | Monday | National Women's Day | |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Thursday | Heritage Day | |
| 4 Nov 2026 | Wednesday | Election Day | |
| 16 Dec 2026 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation | |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | |
| 26 Dec 2026 | Saturday | Day of Goodwill |
Calendar view
Public holidays highlighted, weekends shaded.
January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
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Public holidayWeekend
Long weekends and bridge days in 2026
5days off
Workers' Day
1–3 May 2026
3 days · no leave1 PTO → 4 days2 PTO → 5 days
6days off
Good Friday
3–6 Apr 2026
4 days · no leave1 PTO → 5 days2 PTO → 6 days
5days off
New Year's Day
1 Jan 2026
1 days · no leave1 PTO → 4 days2 PTO → 5 days
5days off
Youth Day
16 Jun 2026
1 days · no leave1 PTO → 4 days2 PTO → 5 days
5days off
National Women's Day
8–10 Aug 2026
3 days · no leave1 PTO → 4 days2 PTO → 5 days
5days off
Heritage Day
24 Sep 2026
1 days · no leave1 PTO → 4 days2 PTO → 5 days
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FAQ
- Does South Africa have holidays on weekends in 2026?
- Some holidays fall on weekends; where a country has a substitute day, it is included as a separate entry.
- How do I use these dates to plan leave in 2026?
- Open the long weekend page, pick a run, and see how many days of leave connect it to the next weekend.