Holidays in South Africa
History of South Africa
South Africa boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and historical influences spanning from indigenous tribes, such as the Zulu and Xhosa, to the arrival of Dutch and British settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. This blend has shaped the nation's unique identity. Apartheid, a policy of racial segregation, profoundly impacted its social structure until its dissolution in 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected as the first Black president in a fully representative democratic election.
Why South Africans Cherish Their Holidays
Holidays in South Africa are deeply cherished as they represent more than just leisure time. They are moments for rejuvenation, family gatherings, and celebration of cultural heritage. Public holidays especially, such as Heritage Day and Freedom Day, are imbued with significant meaning, reflecting on the country's past struggles and achievements towards democracy.
Activities to Enjoy in South Africa
Visitors to South Africa can enjoy a plethora of activities that highlight the country's diverse landscapes and rich history. Here are some top recommendations:
- Safari adventures in Kruger National Park or Pilanesberg to witness the famed Big Five.
- Cultural tours in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, showcasing vibrant arts scenes and historical sites.
- Beach holidays along the stunning coasts of Durban and the Western Cape.
- Wine tasting in the world-renowned vineyards of the Cape Winelands.
- Hiking and adventure sports in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Date |
Holiday |
January 1, 2024
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2024
|
Human Rights Day
|
March 29, 2024
|
Good Friday
|
April 1, 2024
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2024
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2024
|
Workers' Day
|
May 29, 2024
|
Election Day
|
June 17, 2024
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2024
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2024
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2024
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2024
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2024
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2025
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2025
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 18, 2025
|
Good Friday
|
April 21, 2025
|
Family Day
|
April 28, 2025
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2025
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2025
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2025
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2025
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2025
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2025
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2025
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2026
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2026
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 3, 2026
|
Good Friday
|
April 6, 2026
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2026
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2026
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2026
|
Youth Day
|
August 10, 2026
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2026
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2026
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2026
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2026
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2027
|
New Year's Day
|
March 22, 2027
|
Human Rights Day
|
March 26, 2027
|
Good Friday
|
March 29, 2027
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2027
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2027
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2027
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2027
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2027
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2027
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2027
|
Christmas Day
|
December 27, 2027
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2028
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2028
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 14, 2028
|
Good Friday
|
April 17, 2028
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2028
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2028
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2028
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2028
|
National Women's Day
|
September 25, 2028
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2028
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2028
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2028
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2029
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2029
|
Human Rights Day
|
March 30, 2029
|
Good Friday
|
April 2, 2029
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2029
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2029
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2029
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2029
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2029
|
Heritage Day
|
December 17, 2029
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2029
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2029
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2030
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2030
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 19, 2030
|
Good Friday
|
April 22, 2030
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2030
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2030
|
Workers' Day
|
June 17, 2030
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2030
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2030
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2030
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2030
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2030
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2031
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2031
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 11, 2031
|
Good Friday
|
April 14, 2031
|
Family Day
|
April 28, 2031
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2031
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2031
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2031
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2031
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2031
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2031
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2031
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2032
|
New Year's Day
|
March 22, 2032
|
Human Rights Day
|
March 26, 2032
|
Good Friday
|
March 29, 2032
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2032
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2032
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2032
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2032
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2032
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2032
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2032
|
Christmas Day
|
December 27, 2032
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2033
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2033
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 15, 2033
|
Good Friday
|
April 18, 2033
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2033
|
Freedom Day
|
May 2, 2033
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2033
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2033
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2033
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2033
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 26, 2033
|
Day of Goodwill
|
December 27, 2033
|
Christmas Day
|
January 2, 2034
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2034
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 7, 2034
|
Good Friday
|
April 10, 2034
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2034
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2034
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2034
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2034
|
National Women's Day
|
September 25, 2034
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2034
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2034
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2034
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2035
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2035
|
Human Rights Day
|
March 23, 2035
|
Good Friday
|
March 26, 2035
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2035
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2035
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2035
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2035
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2035
|
Heritage Day
|
December 17, 2035
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2035
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2035
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2036
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2036
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 11, 2036
|
Good Friday
|
April 14, 2036
|
Family Day
|
April 28, 2036
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2036
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2036
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2036
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2036
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2036
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2036
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2036
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2037
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2037
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 3, 2037
|
Good Friday
|
April 6, 2037
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2037
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2037
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2037
|
Youth Day
|
August 10, 2037
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2037
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2037
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2037
|
Christmas Day
|
December 26, 2037
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2038
|
New Year's Day
|
March 22, 2038
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 23, 2038
|
Good Friday
|
April 26, 2038
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2038
|
Freedom Day
|
May 1, 2038
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2038
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2038
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2038
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2038
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 25, 2038
|
Christmas Day
|
December 27, 2038
|
Day of Goodwill
|
January 1, 2039
|
New Year's Day
|
March 21, 2039
|
Human Rights Day
|
April 8, 2039
|
Good Friday
|
April 11, 2039
|
Family Day
|
April 27, 2039
|
Freedom Day
|
May 2, 2039
|
Workers' Day
|
June 16, 2039
|
Youth Day
|
August 9, 2039
|
National Women's Day
|
September 24, 2039
|
Heritage Day
|
December 16, 2039
|
Day of Reconciliation
|
December 26, 2039
|
Day of Goodwill
|
December 27, 2039
|
Christmas Day
|
Long weekends
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Future long weekends in South Africa