South Africa Public Holidays 2027
South Africa has 12 public holidays in 2027. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the next Monday is a holiday, so 22 March and 27 December are days off.
Last updated: 8 November 2026
| Date (2027) | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 1 Jan | New Year's Day | |
| Sun 21 Mar | Human Rights Day | Sunday |
| Mon 22 Mar | Public holiday (Human Rights Day observed) | |
| Fri 26 Mar | Good Friday | |
| Mon 29 Mar | Family Day | |
| Tue 27 Apr | Freedom Day | |
| Sat 1 May | Workers' Day | Saturday — no substitute |
| Wed 16 Jun | Youth Day | |
| Mon 9 Aug | National Women's Day | |
| Fri 24 Sep | Heritage Day | |
| Thu 16 Dec | Day of Reconciliation | |
| Sat 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Saturday |
| Sun 26 Dec | Day of Goodwill | Sunday |
| Mon 27 Dec | Public holiday (Day of Goodwill observed) |
How South African holidays work
The Public Holidays Act lists 12 holidays. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday; a holiday on a Saturday is not moved. Employees who work on a public holiday are entitled to double pay, or their normal pay plus the hours worked, depending on their agreement. The government can also declare extra one-off holidays, for example for national elections.
Long weekends and travel in 2027
Easter brings back-to-back long weekends: Human Rights Day observed on Monday 22 March, then Good Friday (26 March) to Family Day (29 March). Heritage Day is a Friday, and the December school holidays make the Garden Route and Western Cape very busy.
Long weekends in South Africa in 2027
- Fri 1 – Sun 3 Jan: 3 days off
- Sat 20 – Mon 22 Mar: 3 days off
- Fri 26 – Mon 29 Mar: 4 days off
- Sat 7 – Mon 9 Aug: 3 days off
- Fri 24 – Sun 26 Sep: 3 days off
- Sat 25 – Mon 27 Dec: 3 days off
Best bridge days
- Take Monday 26 Apr off before Tue 27 Apr → 4 days off (Sat 24 – Tue 27 Apr)
- Take Friday 17 Dec off after Thu 16 Dec → 4 days off (Thu 16 – Sun 19 Dec)
Calculated from the national holidays above with a Saturday–Sunday weekend; regional holidays and company rules can add days.
Frequently asked questions
- How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2027?
- Twelve, plus Monday substitutes for holidays that fall on a Sunday.
- Is 27 December 2027 a public holiday in South Africa?
- Yes, because the Day of Goodwill falls on Sunday 26 December.
- Is Workers' Day moved in 2027?
- No. It falls on a Saturday, and Saturday holidays are not moved.
Sources: South African Government – Public holidays · Department of Employment and Labour