South Africa Calendar with Holidays 2026 — In 2026, South Africa visited the 12 national public holidays, which offer moments for national pride, cultural festivals, and family time. The year starts on Thursday, January 1, with New Year’s Day. Human Rights Day is remembering the country’s commitment to equality and justice on Saturday, March 21. The Easter period includes Good Friday on 3 April and Family Day on 6 April (Easter Monday), which offers a long weekend for reflection and solidarity.
South Africa Calendar with Holidays 2026
On 27 April, Freedom Day celebrates the historic 1994 democratic elections. Labor Day honors labor and productivity on 1 May. On June 16, the Youth Day 1976 student rebellion and South African youth pay tribute to the spirit. National Women’s Day was celebrated on Monday, September 10, which recognizes the laws against near apartheid in March 1956. Heritage Day encourages cultural pride and unity on 24 September. The Day of Reconciliation on 16 December promotes national harmony, which stems from various historical roots. The festive season ends with Christmas Day on 25 December, followed by the Day of Goodwill on 26 December to rest and join with loved ones.
South Africa Holiday Calendar 2026
The 2026 holiday schedule of South Africa together gives a recollection, cultural celebration, and restoration break, which gives citizens a meaningful rhythm of observation and holiday. Tell me if you like it in a tabular layout or printable format!
South Africa Holidays 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Human Rights Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Family Day (Easter Monday) |
| Apr 27 | Monday | Freedom Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers’ Day |
| June 16 | Tuesday | Youth Day |
| August 9 | Sunday | National Women’s Day |
| August 10 | Monday | National Women’s Day (in lieu) |
| September 24 | Thursday | Heritage Day |
| Dec 16 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Day of Goodwill |
- New Year’s Day—January 1: The Gregorian calendar marks the beginning of the year.
- Human Rights Day—Mar 21: Sharpeville recalls the massacre and promotes human rights awareness.
- Good Friday—April 3: Observe the Christian tradition of Jesus’ cross.
- Family Day—April 6: Easter expands the weekend for family time.
- Freedom Day—April 27: Celebrates South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994.
- Labor Day—May 1: Respect for the contributions and rights of workers.
- Youth Day—Jun 16: 1976 Sveto Rebellion and Students Recall.
- National Women’s Day—Aug 9: The women’s march of 1956 for equality is reminiscent.
- National Women’s Day (in return)—Aug 10: Celebrated as the holiday occurs on Sunday.
- Heritage Day—Sep 24: Encourages the celebration of the cultural diversity of South Africa.
- Reconciliation Day—Dec 16: Promotes unity among racial groups.
- Christmas Day—DEC25: Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Goodwill Day—Dec 26: Encourages kindness and gives it after Christmas.