Public holidays represent for many, a time to get away from the work desk and catch our breath, from an endless cycle of servitude to the capitalism. This year, there are many public holidays offering the South Africans workforce a moment of release.
South Africa will have 14* public holidays in 2024 – which includes an additional day off to celebrate one public holiday which falls on a Sunday. Diarise the following public holidays in 2024 and plan your vacations accordingly!

Public holidays in 2024

  • Monday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
  • Thursday, 21 March: Human Rights Day
  • Friday, 29 March: Good Friday
  • Monday, 1 April: Family Day
  • Saturday, 27 April: Freedom Day
  • Wednesday, 1 May: Workers’ Day
  • Sunday, 16 June: Youth Day
  • Monday, 17 June: Public holiday Youth Day observed
  • Friday, 9 August: National Women’s Day
  • Tuesday, 24 September: Heritage Day
  • Monday, 16 December: Day of Reconciliation
  • Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
  • Thursday, 26 December: Day of Goodwill
  • TBC – General election public holiday
In a typical year, South Africa has 12 public holidays, which is roughly the average when compared to other countries. The global average for public holidays is 11 days. Workers in most European countries enjoy 10-14 public holidays a year. The United Kingdom, however, has only eight. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Myanmar has 30 public holidays, while Sri Lanka, Iran, India, and China have 29, 27, 21, and 17, respectively.