South Africa Public Holidays 2028

Public holidays in South Africa, with the official days off.

202720262028
Projected dates. The government has not published the 2028 list yet, so these dates follow the current rules and may change.
12public holidays
10fall on a weekday
6long weekends (Mon or Fri)
250working days in 2028

Public holidays in 2028

New Year's DayFalls on a weekend
Jan 1Saturday
In 433 daysCountdown
Human Rights Day
Mar 21Tuesday
In 513 days
Good Friday
Apr 14Friday
In 537 daysCountdown
Family Day
Apr 17Monday
In 540 days
Freedom Day
Apr 27Thursday
In 550 daysCountdown
Workers' Day
May 1Monday
In 554 days
Youth Day
Jun 16Friday
In 600 days
National Women's Day
Aug 9Wednesday
In 654 days
Heritage DayFalls on a weekend
Sep 24Sunday
In 700 daysCountdown
Heritage Day (observed)Day off in lieu
Sep 25Monday
In 701 daysCountdown
Day of ReconciliationFalls on a weekend
Dec 16Saturday
In 783 days
Christmas Day
Dec 25Monday
In 792 daysCountdown
Day of Goodwill
Dec 26Tuesday
In 793 daysCountdown

Working days in 2028

MonthWeekdaysHolidaysWorking days
January21021
February21021
March23122
April20317
May23122
June22121
July21021
August23122
September21120
October22022
November22022
December21219
Total26010250

Where these dates come from

Official source: South African Government: Public holidays

Weekend rule: Under the Public Holidays Act, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday.

Note: Under the Public Holidays Act, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday the following Monday is a holiday.

Last checked: October 23, 2026 (official lists for 2026 and 2027)

Employers can give extra days off, and some workers are covered by different rules. If a date matters for pay or a legal deadline, confirm it with your employer or the official source.

Count business days with these holidays

Public holidays in other countries

United Statesfederal holidaysCanada14 regionsUnited Kingdom3 regionsIrelandpublic holidaysAustralia8 regionsNew Zealand13 regionsSingaporepublic holidaysIndiacentral government holidaysPhilippinespublic holidaysNigeriapublic holidaysKenyapublic holidaysJamaicapublic holidays

Frequently asked questions

What is the next public holiday?
New Year's Day on Saturday, January 1, 2028.
How many public holidays are there in South Africa in 2028?
There are 12 public holidays: New Year's Day, Human Rights Day, Good Friday, Family Day, Freedom Day, Workers' Day, Youth Day, National Women's Day, Heritage Day, Day of Reconciliation, Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill. 10 of the days off fall on a weekday in 2028.
What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend?
Under the Public Holidays Act, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday.
How many working days are there in 2028?
250 working days: 260 weekdays (Monday to Friday) minus 10 public holidays that fall on a weekday.