Public holidays in 2026 will be slightly disappointing for South Africans. Although the official calendar still lists twelve public holidays, workers will only get ten weekdays off. That’s because two key holidays — Human Rights Day and Day of Goodwill — fall on Saturdays and won’t be compensated with an additional weekday off.
This change is due to the way the Public Holidays Act treats holidays that fall on weekends. Unfortunately, 2026 doesn’t favour employees who enjoy their midweek breaks.
How the Public Holidays Act Impacts You
The Public Holidays Act (Act No. 36 of 1994) governs how South Africa observes national holidays. It specifically states that when a public holiday lands on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a day off. However, if the holiday falls on a Saturday, there is no substitution.
This means that anyone who typically doesn’t work on Saturdays will effectively lose those holidays. It’s a legal technicality that can result in fewer breaks depending on the calendar year.
Read more about why there will be no extra school holiday for learners this September in our latest update.
The Lost Holidays: What Falls on a Saturday in 2026?
In 2026, two major public holidays will fall on a Saturday:
- Human Rights Day – 21 March 2026
- Day of Goodwill – 26 December 2026
Because these dates land on a Saturday, they won’t be moved to the following Monday, and most South Africans will miss out on these days off — unless, of course, they’re required to work weekends.
Here’s What the 2026 Public Holiday Calendar Looks Like
Let’s break down the year’s public holidays and which ones you’ll actually be able to enjoy:
| Public Holiday | Date | Day | Day Off Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday | Yes |
| Human Rights Day | 21 March 2026 | Saturday | No |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Friday | Yes |
| Family Day | 6 April 2026 | Monday | Yes |
| Freedom Day | 27 April 2026 | Monday | Yes |
| Workers’ Day | 1 May 2026 | Friday | Yes |
| Youth Day | 16 June 2026 | Tuesday | Yes |
| Women’s Day (observed) | 10 August 2026 | Monday | Yes |
| Heritage Day | 24 September 2026 | Thursday | Yes |
| Day of Reconciliation | 16 December 2026 | Wednesday | Yes |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Friday | Yes |
| Day of Goodwill | 26 December 2026 | Saturday | No |
Only 10 of the 12 official public holidays will result in time off work for most South Africans in 2026.
Why Two Days Off Matter More Than You Think
Losing two public holidays may not seem like a major blow until you think about what they represent. Human Rights Day commemorates the Sharpeville massacre, a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. Day of Goodwill is a time for family and reflection after the busy festive season.
The absence of these holidays from the working calendar can affect both productivity and mental well-being, particularly for those relying on long weekends to reset and spend time with loved ones.
What About Sunday Holidays?
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, South Africans don’t need to worry. The law ensures that the next Monday becomes a public holiday.
In 2026, National Women’s Day falls on Sunday, 9 August. Thankfully, it will be observed on Monday, 10 August, giving the country an extra long weekend in Women’s Month.
Can the Government Add a Replacement Holiday?
Technically, yes the President has the power to declare a public holiday by proclamation. This has happened in the past, such as during national elections or for special events. However, there’s no indication that the government plans to replace the two “lost” holidays in 2026.
Unless a presidential proclamation is issued, the calendar will stand as is.
The Bigger Picture: How 2026 Compares to Other Years
In most years, South Africans enjoy between 11 and 13 public holidays that result in weekdays off. The two-day loss in 2026 brings that number down to just 10, making it one of the least generous years for public holidays in recent memory.
For context:
- 2024 had 13 public holidays.
- 2025 offers 12.
- 2026 drops to just 10.
It’s a stark reminder of how the placement of holidays can influence annual leave planning and work-life balance.
How to Maximise Your Leave in 2026
With fewer days off in the calendar, South Africans will need to be more strategic about their annual leave planning. Here are some tips:
- Use leave around long weekends to create extended breaks.
- Consider taking off Friday, 25 September, to get a four-day weekend around Heritage Day.
- Take Friday, 2 January 2026, to extend your New Year’s break.
Being smart with your leave days can help you make up for the lost holidays and maintain your work-life balance.
What Employers Should Keep in Mind
HR departments and employers must update their company leave calendars to reflect the correct number of days off. Some businesses may choose to offer ex gratia leave for holidays lost to Saturdays, but this is entirely voluntary.
Employers should also communicate changes to employees clearly to avoid confusion or disputes later in the year.
Is It Time to Rethink the Public Holidays Act?
Many South Africans have called for the Public Holidays Act to be updated. Critics argue that the Act doesn’t align with modern work patterns, especially since more people now work flexible hours or have alternative schedules.
Suggestions include:
- Making Saturday holidays replaceable, just like Sunday ones.
- Introducing floating holidays that workers can use at their discretion.
For now, though, the law stands — and so does the loss of two public holidays in 2026.
Fewer Breaks, Smarter Planning
South Africans will get just 10 weekday public holidays in 2026, two fewer than usual due to Human Rights Day and Day of Goodwill falling on Saturdays. The current Public Holidays Act doesn’t offer replacements in these cases, leaving workers with a shorter list of official breaks.
As the calendar tightens, South Africans should consider planning their annual leave wisely and advocating for a modern, fairer holiday policy.
