Public Holidays

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There are 12 public holidays in South Africa annually, among them special days to honour workers, youth, women, freedom, heritage and human rights.  Many public holidays in South Africa revolve around historical events that have deep meaning and significance for the population.

South Africa's public holidays in 2011 are:

New Year's Day	January 1
Human Rights Day	March 21
Good Friday (Friday before Easter)	April 22
Family Day (Monday after Easter)	April 25
Freedom Day	April 27
Workers Day	May 1
Additional public Holiday
Youth Day	June 16
National Women's Day	August 9
Heritage Day	September 24
Day of Reconciliation	December 16
Christmas Day	December 25
Day of Goodwill	December 26

The Public Holidays Act of 1994 determines that whenever a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following it will be a public holiday. Should a public holiday fall on a Saturday, it is celebrated on that day.

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays.  In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open. The business world, however, takes the opportunity for a well-deserved break.