When are the public and school holidays in 2026?
South Africa has 12 public holidays as determined by the Public Holidays Act. The Act determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following it shall be a public holiday.
Public Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thu | New Year's Day |
| 21 Mar 2026 | Sat | Human Rights Day |
| 3 Apr 2026 | Fri | Good Friday |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Mon | Family Day |
| 27 Apr 2026 | Mon | Freedom Day |
| 1 May 2026 | Fri | Workers' Day |
| 16 Jun 2026 | Tue | Youth Day |
| 9 Aug 2026 | Sun | National Women's Day |
| 10 Aug 2026 | Mon | National Women's Day Observed |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Thu | Heritage Day |
| 16 Dec 2026 | Wed | Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec 2026 | Sat | Day of Goodwill |