South Africa observes 12 public holidays per year, plus one additional public holiday when a public holiday falls on a Sunday. In 2027, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) governs how employees are paid on public holidays, and getting it wrong can result in Department of Employment and Labour complaints.
This guide covers every 2027 public holiday, the Sunday holiday rule, pay obligations, and practical tips for employers.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa has 12 public holidays in 2027
- When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday
- Employees are entitled to a paid day off on public holidays
- If employees work on a public holiday, they receive double pay
- The BCEA governs public holiday entitlements for all employees
All 12 Public Holidays in 2027
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Friday |
| Human Rights Day | 21 March | Sunday |
| Freedom Day | 27 April | Tuesday |
| Workers’ Day | 1 May | Sunday |
| Youth Day | 16 June | Wednesday |
| National Women’s Day | 9 August | Sunday |
| Heritage Day | 24 September | Friday |
| Day of Reconciliation | 16 December | Thursday |
| Day of Goodwill | 26 December | Sunday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Saturday |
Note: Human Rights Day (21 March), Workers’ Day (1 May), National Women’s Day (9 August), Day of Goodwill (26 December), and Christmas Day (25 December) fall on weekends in 2027.
The Sunday Holiday Rule
South Africa has a unique rule: when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday. This is mandated by the BCEA.
In 2027, the following replacement public holidays apply:
| Original Holiday | Original Date | Replacement Day |
|---|---|---|
| Human Rights Day | Sunday 21 March | Monday 22 March |
| Workers’ Day | Sunday 1 May | Monday 2 May |
| National Women’s Day | Sunday 9 August | Monday 10 August |
| Christmas Day | Saturday 25 December | — (not on Sunday, no replacement) |
| Day of Goodwill | Sunday 26 December | Monday 27 December |
Important: Christmas Day falls on a Saturday in 2027. Since it does not fall on a Sunday, there is no automatic replacement Monday. However, some employers choose to grant the Monday off.
How Public Holidays Affect Pay
Employees Entitled to a Paid Day Off
Under Section 18 of the BCEA, every employee is entitled to a paid day off on a public holiday. The pay is calculated as:
Daily wage = Total remuneration in the last 12 months / 12 / Average number of working days per month
Employees Who Work on a Public Holiday
If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- Double their daily wage for the day worked, OR
- A paid day off within one month (at the employer’s discretion)
The employer chooses whether to pay double or grant a replacement day — the employee does not have the choice.
What Counts as “Double Pay”
Double pay includes:
- Basic salary
- Regular allowances
- Commission (if regularly paid)
- Overtime (if regularly worked)
It does not include: one-off bonuses, irregular overtime, or benefits in kind.
Example
An employee earns R25,000/month and works on Youth Day (16 June):
- Monthly salary: R25,000
- Average daily wage: R25,000 / 26 working days = R961.54
- Double pay for Youth Day: R961.54 × 2 = R1,923.08
Common Employer Challenges
1. Multiple Sunday Holidays
With 4 public holidays falling on Sundays in 2027, the replacement Monday rule creates 4 additional public holidays. This is above the normal 12 and must be accounted for in payroll and scheduling.
2. Saturday Holidays
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday (like Christmas Day in 2027), there is no automatic replacement. However, employers should check their employment contracts and sectoral determinations.
3. Casual and Fixed-Term Employees
Casual employees are entitled to public holiday pay only if they work on the public holiday. They are not entitled to a paid day off if they don’t work.
4. Sectoral Determinations
Some sectors (e.g., retail, hospitality, domestic workers) have specific public holiday provisions in their sectoral determinations. Always check whether a sectoral determination applies to your employees.
Record-Keeping
Under the BCEA, you must keep records of:
- Public holidays worked by each employee
- Holiday pay calculated and paid
- Replacement days granted
- Any double pay provided
Records must be retained for 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
The following Monday becomes a public holiday. Employees are entitled to a paid day off on the Monday.
Do employees get paid double if they work on a public holiday?
Yes. Employees who work on a public holiday receive double their daily wage, or a paid day off within one month (employer’s choice).
Can an employer require employees to work on a public holiday?
Yes, but the employee must receive either double pay or a replacement day off. The employer cannot require work without compensation.
Are casual employees entitled to public holidays?
Casual employees are entitled to double pay if they work on a public holiday. They are not entitled to a paid day off if they don’t work.
Do public holidays count as annual leave?
No. Public holidays are separate from the statutory 15 days of annual leave. Employees are entitled to both.