South Africa Calendar 2025

South Africa's major public holidays in 2025 include: • New Year's Day (Jan 1) • Human Rights Day (Mar 21) • Good Friday (Apr 18) • Family Day (Apr 21) • Freedom Day (Apr 27-28) • Workers' Day (May 1) • Youth Day (Jun 16) • National Women's Day (Aug 9) • Heritage Day (Sep 24) • Day of Reconciliation (Dec 16) • Christmas Day (Dec 25) • Boxing Day (Dec 26) Freedom Day in 2025 has a substitute day on April 28 as April 27 falls on a Sunday.

Key points about South African public holidays: 1. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday 2. All public holidays are paid days off for employees 3. Working on a public holiday requires: • Double pay, or • Regular pay plus another day off 4. Public holidays are governed by the Public Holidays Act 5. Some holidays may be exchanged for others by agreement between employer and employee

South Africa's holidays reflect its rich history and cultural heritage: • Human Rights Day (Mar 21) - Commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre • Freedom Day (Apr 27) - Celebrates first democratic elections in 1994 • Youth Day (Jun 16) - Honors the Soweto uprising of 1976 • National Women's Day (Aug 9) - Remembers women's march to Union Buildings in 1956 • Heritage Day (Sep 24) - Celebrates South Africa's diverse cultural heritage • Day of Reconciliation (Dec 16) - Promotes reconciliation and national unity These holidays are important markers of South Africa's journey to democracy.

Business planning tips for South African holidays: 1. Long weekends occur when holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays: • Family Day (Monday, Apr 21) • Freedom Day substitute (Monday, Apr 28) 2. Peak holiday periods to consider: • Easter period (Apr 18-21) • Freedom Day period (Apr 27-28) • December festive season (Dec 16-26) 3. Business considerations: • Plan for reduced staff during major holidays • Adjust operating hours accordingly • Schedule maintenance during quiet periods • Consider cultural sensitivity in business operations

Notable arrangements for 2025: 1. Extended breaks: • Easter weekend (4 days: Apr 18-21) • Freedom Day weekend (4 days: Apr 26-29) • Christmas period (Dec 25-26) 2. Sunday holiday adjustments: • Freedom Day (Apr 27) moves to Monday Apr 28 3. School terms and public holidays often align 4. Many businesses reduce operations between Christmas and New Year 5. Popular vacation periods may affect business operations