What Are National Holidays?
A public holiday, national holiday, federal holiday, statutory holiday, or legal holiday is a holiday generally established by law and is usually a non-working day during the year.
How Many National Holidays Are Celebrated In South Africa?
South Africa’s present calendar of public holidays was introduced in 1994. During the period between Union in 1910, and the establishment of the present republic in 1994, the following were the official public holidays:
| Date | English Name | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | 1910–present |
| The Friday before Easter Sunday | Good Friday | 1910–present |
| The Monday following Easter Sunday | Easter Monday Family Day | 1910–19791980–present |
| 6 April | Van Riebeeck’s Day Founder’s Day | 1952–19731980–1994 |
| 1st Friday in May | Workers’ Day | 1987–1989 |
| 1 May | Workers’ Day | 1995–present |
| 40th day after Easter | Ascension Day | 1910–1993 |
| 24 May | Victoria Day / Empire Day | 1910–1951 |
| 31 May | Union DayRepublic Day | 1910–19601961–1993 |
| 2nd Monday in July | Queen’s Birthday | 1952–1960 |
| 10 July | Family Day | 1961–1973 |
| 1st Monday in August | King’s Birthday | 1910–1951 |
| 1st Monday in September | Settlers’ Day | 1952–1979 |
| 10 October | Kruger Day | 1952–1993 |
| 16 December | Dingaan’s DayDay of the CovenantDay of the VowDay of Reconciliation | 1910–19511952–19791979–19941995–present |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | 1910–present |
| 26 December | Boxing DayDay of Goodwill | 1910–19791980–present |
What Do Most People Do On Holidays?
Indulge a little because holidays are also time for many things to do like partying, eating, drinking, and making merry. You could do all of these with a few friends, or family, depending on your choice. Get creative and pick up some hobby or do something that you’ve been keeping away for later.