Public holidays in South Africa 2027
South Africa has 12 nationwide public holidays in 2027.
New Year's Day
Friday
Long weekendHuman Rights Day
Monday
Long weekendGood Friday
Friday
Long weekendFamily Day
Monday
Long weekendFreedom Day
Tuesday
Workers' Day
Saturday
On the weekendYouth Day
Wednesday
National Women's Day
Monday
Long weekendHeritage Day
Friday
Long weekendDay of Reconciliation
Thursday
Christmas Day
Saturday
On the weekendDay of Goodwill
Monday · St. Stephen's Day
Long weekend
Working days off
10
Nationwide holidays that fall on a working day in 2027
- Nationwide
- 12
- Regional
- 0
- On the weekend
- 2
- Long weekends
- 7
South Africa public holidays in 2027 at a glance
Of South Africa’s 12 nationwide public holidays in 2027, 10 fall on a working day and 2 on the weekend. 7 holidays land next to the weekend, giving a three-day weekend without taking any leave.
To count the working days between two dates, or to find a deadline a number of business days away, use the business days calculator.
About the data
Dates come from Nager.Date and are refreshed daily. Holidays that follow a lunar calendar may move by a day once they are officially announced, and governments sometimes add one-off holidays, so check official sources before relying on a date.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2027?
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South Africa has 12 nationwide public holidays in 2027. 10 of them fall on a working day.
What is the first public holiday in South Africa in 2027?
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The first is New Year's Day, on Friday, January 1.
Which public holidays in South Africa fall on a weekend in 2027?
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Workers' Day (May 1) and Christmas Day (December 25) fall on the weekend. Whether a substitute day is given depends on South Africa’s rules.
How many long weekends are there in South Africa in 2027?
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7 nationwide holidays fall next to the weekend in 2027, making a three-day weekend: New Year's Day, Human Rights Day, Good Friday, Family Day, National Women's Day, Heritage Day and Day of Goodwill.