Public holidays in South Africa 2026
National and available regional public holidays for 2026, with country-specific scope notes and planning links.
2026 holiday list
What the list covers
National public holidays apply countrywide. When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday can also be observed under South African rules.
Typical weekend
This guide treats Saturday and Sunday as the standard weekend when calculating working days and holiday breaks.
Source and coverage
Official annual calendar checked. The national calendar under the Public Holidays Act, including Monday observance after Sunday holidays.
Primary source: South African Government public-holiday calendar. Critical payroll, legal and travel dates should still be confirmed with the relevant local authority.
Frequently asked questions
Are these all public holidays in South Africa?
National public holidays apply countrywide. When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday can also be observed under South African rules.
Are regional holidays included for 2026?
This page states its exact geographic scope beside the primary source. Regional and municipal dates outside that scope are not implied.
How often should I recheck 2026 dates?
Recheck before booking travel, running payroll or relying on a date for a legal deadline, especially when holidays are proclamation- or observation-based.