South Africa Bank Holidays: Your Full Holiday Calendar

Here at Calendar Times UK, we know planning is everything. Whether you’re scheduling a trip, a business closure, or just looking forward to a day off, our complete guide to South Africa bank holidays for 2025, 2026, and 2027 has you covered. We’ll walk you through the official South Africa statutory holidays, explain the holiday observance rules (like why Freedom Day falls on a Monday), and even provide insight into the Day of Goodwill’s meaning. Use this as your ultimate South Africa holiday calendar to find the next public holiday in South Africa and plan your long weekends with ease.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in South Africa

Navigate the official South Africa public holidays for the next three years with our easy-to-read tables. This is your go-to resource for all holiday dates and days.

South Africa Bank Holidays Calendar 2025

Mark your calendars! Here are the official South Africa bank holidays 2025.

South Africa Bank Holidays Calendar 2026

Plan with the confirmed South Africa public holidays 2026 dates.

South Africa Bank Holidays Calendar 2027

While dates are provisional until officially confirmed, this list gives you a fantastic head start on your list of public holidays in South Africa 2027.

Guide to Each National Holiday

Understanding the significance behind each day adds depth to your day off. Here’s a quick guide to South Africa’s national holidays.

• New Year’s Day: The first day of the Gregorian calendar, celebrated nationwide.

• Human Rights Day: Commemorates the Sharpeville massacre on 21 March 1960, honouring those who fought for democracy.

• Good Friday and Easter Family Day: These Easter holidays in South Africa are determined by the ecclesiastical moon. Good Friday is a solemn day, while Family Day (Easter Monday) is a time for celebration.

• Freedom Day: Celebrated on 27 April, it marks the first post-apartheid elections held in 1994.

• Workers’ Day: A day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of workers and the labour movement.

• Youth Day: Honors the bravery of the youth who protested in Soweto on 16 June 1976.

• National Women’s Day: Celebrates the march of women on 9 August 1956 to protest apartheid pass laws.

• Heritage Day: On 24 September, South Africans celebrate their diverse cultural heritage and shared history.

• Day of Reconciliation: Aimed at fostering national unity, this holiday on 16 December has historical significance for both Afrikaner and African cultures.

• Christmas Day and Day of Goodwill: Christmas is celebrated on December 25, followed by the Day of Goodwill on the 26th, a day for giving back and spending time with family.

Cultural and Religious Observances in South Africa

Beyond the official holidays, South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry is reflected in many South African observances. These are not public holidays but are widely recognized and celebrated by various communities. They include days like Tweede Nuwe Jaar, Nelson Mandela Day, and Armed Forces Day.

The nation’s diversity is also reflected in its various religious holidays, such as Muslim holidays in South Africa (Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha) and Hindu holidays in South Africa (Holi and Diwali/Deepavali). Other significant days include Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

For the most authoritative confirmation of dates, always refer to the official government portal: https://www.gov.za/.

Also Read: US Bank Holidays

FAQs

Q1. Are Banks Closed on South African Public Holidays?

Yes. By law, banks and most businesses are closed on all official South African statutory holidays.

Q2. What is the next public holiday in South Africa?

The next public holiday in South Africa depends on the current date. Refer to our 2025 calendar above to see the upcoming holidays for this year.

Q3. What Happens if a Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday. This rule is outlined in the Public Holidays Act.

Q4. What is the Difference Between a Public Holiday and an Observance?

A public holiday is an official day off by law. An observance is a recognized day or event, like Heritage Day, but it does not mandate a day off from work.

Q5. What is Day of Goodwill?

The Day of Goodwill’s meaning stems from a day of charity and relaxed fellowship, following the Christmas holiday. It was formerly known as Boxing Day.

We hope this guide from Calendar Times UK has been your perfect partner in planning for the South African bank holidays. Understanding these dates and their meanings helps you make the most of your time, whether for rest, reflection, or celebration.

Planning holidays further afield? Check out our guides to Portugal bank holidays and Australia bank holidays!