South Africa Public Holidays 2027
Complete list of all South Africa public holidays 2027 with dates, day of week, and official names. Download .ics for calendar apps.
South Africa Public Holidays 2027
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Friday | New Year's Day | — |
| Mar 21 | Sunday | Human Rights Day | Substitute: Mon Mar 22 |
| Mar 22 | Monday | Human Rights Day (substitute) | Observed in lieu of Sun Mar 21 |
| Mar 26 | Friday | Good Friday | Easter weekend |
| Mar 29 | Monday | Family Day | Easter Monday |
| Apr 27 | Tuesday | Freedom Day | Commemorates 1994 first democratic elections |
| May 1 | Saturday | Workers' Day | Substitute: Mon May 3 |
| May 3 | Monday | Workers' Day (substitute) | Observed in lieu of Sat May 1 |
| Jun 16 | Wednesday | Youth Day | Commemorates 1976 Soweto Uprising |
| Aug 9 | Monday | National Women's Day | Commemorates 1956 women's march |
| Sep 24 | Friday | Heritage Day | Also known as Braai Day |
| Dec 16 | Thursday | Day of Reconciliation | — |
| Dec 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day | Substitute: Mon Dec 27 |
| Dec 26 | Sunday | Day of Goodwill | Substitute: Tue Dec 28 |
| Dec 27 | Monday | Christmas Day (substitute) | Observed in lieu of Sat Dec 25 |
| Dec 28 | Tuesday | Day of Goodwill (substitute) | Observed in lieu of Sun Dec 26 |
* When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is the substitute public holiday as per the South African Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994. Last updated: 2026-06-20.
About South Africa Public Holidays
South Africa's public holidays are governed by the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994, which established the current framework for national rest days following the country's transition to democracy. The Act provides for 12 official public holidays per year, each chosen to reflect significant moments in South African history, cultural heritage, or global observances. A defining feature of the Act is its Sunday rule: whenever a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday automatically becomes a public holiday in its place, ensuring workers consistently receive their entitlement to a paid day off.
In 2027, three of the 12 public holidays fall on weekends, resulting in substitute days that extend the official calendar. Human Rights Day (21 March) falls on a Sunday with a substitute on Monday 22 March; Workers' Day (1 May) falls on a Saturday with a substitute on Monday 3 May; and at the end of the year, both Christmas Day (25 December, Saturday) and Day of Goodwill (26 December, Sunday) each trigger substitutes on Monday 27 December and Tuesday 28 December respectively. This means that in 2027, employees effectively observe 14 public holiday dates in total, though only 12 are the legislated holidays themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
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South Africa has 12 public holidays in 2027. When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the substitute public holiday — so in practice, 2027 sees a few Monday substitutes observed (Human Rights Day on Mar 22, Workers' Day on May 3, and Christmas Day on Dec 27 and Day of Goodwill on Dec 28).
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Human Rights Day falls on Sunday, 21 March 2027. Because it falls on a Sunday, the substitute public holiday is observed on Monday, 22 March 2027. Human Rights Day commemorates the Sharpeville massacre of 21 March 1960, when 69 people were killed during a protest against apartheid pass laws.
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The status widget at the top of this page automatically detects today's date using Africa/Johannesburg timezone and checks against the official 2027 holiday list.