When is the next public holiday in South Africa?

South Africans can turn the upcoming Heritage Day public holiday into a four-day weekend this September by taking one day of annual leave.

Heritage Day will be celebrated on Thursday, 24 September giving workers a handy opportunity to stretch the public holiday into a longer break.

Those who take Friday, 25 September off will enjoy four consecutive days away from work.

Heritage Day is more commonly known as National Braai Day, making it a popular opportunity for South Africans to gather with family and friends and celebrate the country’s diverse heritage.

Take Friday off

The four-day break will look like this:

• Thursday, 24 September – Heritage Day
• Friday, 25 September – Annual leave
• Saturday, 26 September – Weekend
• Sunday, 27 September – Weekend

For employees with annual leave available, taking just one day off could therefore provide a welcome extended break.

South Africa has 14 public holidays in 2026

There are 14 public holidays on South Africa’s 2026 calendar.

However, two fall on Saturdays and are therefore effectively ‘lost’.

Human Rights Day was observed on Saturday, 21 March, while Day of Goodwill will fall on Saturday, 26 December.

The remaining public holidays for 2026 are:

Date	Day	Public holiday
24 September	Thursday	Heritage Day
4 November	Wednesday	Local Government Elections
16 December	Wednesday	Day of Reconciliation
25 December	Friday	Christmas Day
26 December	Saturday	Day of Goodwill

The 4 November local government elections will provide another weekday public holiday, while Christmas Day falls on a Friday and naturally creates another long weekend.

For many workers, Heritage Day presents one of the best remaining opportunities to maximise annual leave in 2026.

By using just one leave day on Friday, 25 September, employees can enjoy four days off without needing to take an extended period of leave.

Whether it’s a road trip, a family gathering or a traditional South African braai, Heritage Day offers a welcome break as the year heads towards its final quarter.