There are 12 public holidays in South Africa in 2023, three of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is a public holiday in South Africa, observed on March 21, 2023. The holiday is historically linked with the Sharpeville Massacre on March 21, 1960.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Family Day
Family Day is a public holiday in South Africa, observed on April 10, 2023. Easter Monday in South Africa was renamed Family Day in 1995. Family Day is the Monday after Good Friday, making it a four-day long weekend from Friday to Monday.
Freedom Day
Freedom Day, observed on April 27, 2023, commemorates the first non-racial democratic elections held in South Africa on April 27, 1994. It is the first time that everyone over 18 from any race group was allowed to vote, and it marks the end of over three hundred years of colonialism and white minority rule.
International Workers' Day
International Workers' Day, observed on May 1, 2023, is to celebrate the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Youth Day
Youth Day is a public holiday in South Africa, observed on June 16, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Soweto uprising, a series of protests led by black schoolchildren in South Africa that began on June 16, 1976.
National Women's Day
National Women's Day, observed on August 9, 2023, commemorates the 1956 march. On August 9, 1956, more than 20,000 women of all races protested against the country's passed laws, a form of internal passport system that required nonwhites to carry.
Heritage Day
Heritage Day, observed on September 24, 2023, is to recognize and celebrate the cultural heritage and the diversity of the beliefs and traditions in South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day.
Day of Reconciliation
Day of Reconciliation is a public holiday in South Africa, observed on December 16, 2023. The holiday marks the end of apartheid with the purpose of fostering unity and reconciliation across the country. Day of Reconciliation is meaningful for both Afrikaner and black African cultures in an attempt to create racial harmony.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
Day of Goodwill
Day of Goodwill celebrates December 26, 2023, the day after Christmas Day. The holiday was celebrated as Boxing Day until 1994. It is a time of love and charity forgiving, especially to those less fortunate people. Day of Goodwill is also a time for families to stay together and enjoy life in South Africa.
The following is the list of public holidays in South Africa 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Human Rights Day | Mar 21, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Family Day | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Freedom Day | Apr 27, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| International Workers' Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Youth Day | Jun 16, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| National Women's Day | Aug 09, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Heritage Day | Sep 24, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Heritage Day Holiday | Sep 25, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Day of Reconciliation | Dec 16, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Day of Goodwill | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in South Africa in 2023.