Just back at the office and already dreaming of your next holiday? By strategically planning your leave around South Africa’s public holidays in 2025, you can enjoy longer breaks without dipping into your annual leave too much.
Maximise Your Leave With These South African Public Holidays In 2025:
Human Rights Day – 21 March 2025
Days to take: 20-23 March 2025
With Human Rights Day falling on a Friday, take just one day off on Thursday, 20 March, and you can enjoy a four-day long weekend. Perfect for a quick getaway or a restful staycation.
Easter Weekend (18-21 April) and Freedom Day (27 April)
Days to take: 18-28 April 2025
For an extended break, take four days off from Tuesday, 22 April, to Friday, 25 April. This gives you 11 days off in total, covering both the Easter weekend and Freedom Day long weekend.
Easter Weekend (18-21 April), Freedom Day (27 April), and Workers’ Day (1 May)
Days to take: 18 April to 4 May 2025
Take seven days off from Tuesday, 22 April, to Friday, 25 April, and again from Tuesday, 29 April to Friday, 2 May, for an epic 17-day break. Easter, Freedom Day, and Workers’ Day provide the perfect opportunity for an extended break.
Freedom Day (27 April) & Workers’ Day (1 May)
Days to take: 27 April to 4 May 2025
Take three days off on Tuesday, 29 April, Wednesday, 30 April, and Friday, 2 May, for an eight-day break.
Youth Day-16 June
Days to take: 13-16 June 2025
With Youth Day on a Monday, all you need is to take one day off on Friday, 13 June, and you’ll have a four-day weekend to look forward to.
Heritage Day-24 September
Days to take: 20-24 September 2025
With Heritage Day falling on a Wednesday, you can take two days off on Monday, 22 September, and Tuesday, 23 September, for a five-day break. Or, for an even longer holiday, take four days off from Monday, 22 September, to Thursday, 25 September, to create a nine-day break.
Day of Reconciliation-16 December
Days to take: 13-16 December 2025
Day of Reconciliation falls on a Tuesday, so taking one day off on Monday, 15 December, will give you a four-day long weekend to close off the year with some relaxation.
Day of Reconciliation (16 December), Christmas (25 December), and Day of Goodwill (26 December)
Days to take: 13-28 December 2025
For an extended festive break, take seven days off from Monday, 15 December to Thursday, 19 December, and then from Monday, 22 December to Thursday, 24 December. This gives you a 16-day break to unwind fully and relax with loved ones.
Alternatively, for an epic 20-day break, take 10 days off from Monday, 15 December 2025 to Friday, 1 January 2026. With a little planning, you can enjoy nearly three full weeks off to finish the year in style.