Public Holidays in South Africa in 2024

South Africa has 14 public holidays in 2024. This includes a public holiday for South Africa’s 2024 general elections.

When are South Africa’s public holidays in 2024?

This table gives dates and days for the public holidays in South Africa in 2024. 

South Africa public holiday laws

Are these holidays paid? What are South Africa’s laws pertaining to work on public holidays?

No worker should be forced to work on public holidays. If they have to work on a public holiday, South African law maintains that workers must be paid extra, usually double the normal wage. Additionally, the worker can take another day as a holiday instead of the public holiday, by prior agreement with the employer. 

These provisions for public holidays do not apply to some categories of workers, such as individuals in senior management positions, sales representatives who travel for work, and those who work less than 24 hours a month.

Why are public holidays important?

Public holidays help a country celebrate and remember important days from its history. Some public holidays are especially important in South Africa because of the cultural and political events associated with them. It is useful to know which days public holidays fall on, as this can help citizens plan their year’s calendar for trips and work.

Facts about Public Holidays in South Africa

South Africa has an additional day off to compensate for one of the public holidays falling on a Sunday. This is mandated by the South African Public Holidays Act. As per the law, whenever a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the next Monday.