South Africans have been eagerly awaiting their next public holiday since New Year’s Day, which came well over two months ago.
The good news is that the next public holiday is just around the corner!
Human Rights Day falls on Friday, 21 March this year.
And with that, comes the first long weekend of the year!
Why is Human Rights Day significant?
Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on 21 March, is a time for South Africans to reflect on the country’s journey to democracy and the sacrifices made in the struggle for equality and human rights.
The day commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre that took place on 21 March 1960, when peaceful protesters against the apartheid “pass laws” were shot by the apartheid police.
Sixty-nine people were killed, many of them while fleeing, and the tragedy brought global attention to the atrocities of the apartheid regime.
The day serves as a reminder of the importance of human rights, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the end of apartheid.
It also underscores South Africa’s Constitution, which is regarded as one of the most progressive in the world, ensuring fundamental rights for all South Africans, regardless of race, gender, or background.
Key rights protected under the Constitution include:
- Equality: Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
- Human dignity: Every person has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected.
- Freedom of movement and residence: The right to move freely within the country and to choose where to live.
- Language and culture: The right to use one’s language and participate in the cultural life of one’s choice.
- Life: The fundamental right to life.
Activities and reflection
Throughout Human Rights Month, various activities will be held to remind South Africans of the importance of continuing to work together to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
This time of reflection is not only about remembering the past but also about reaffirming our commitment to building a society where human dignity, equality, and freedom are respected.
The government calls on citizens to understand that human rights come with responsibilities.
Whether at work, in communities, or in homes, we all have a role in fostering a culture that respects human rights and contributes to a better future for the country.
So, while you’re enjoying that long weekend, remember that it’s more than just a day off – it’s a time to honour the legacy of those who fought for the rights that we enjoy today.
More long weekends in 2025 than 2024
Although South Africans will enjoy one fewer public holiday in 2025, there will be more long weekends next year than in 2024.
As reported by The South African website, Mzansi had 14 public holidays in 2024.
Included in that number were two ‘extra’ days thanks to Voting day on Wednesday, 29 May, and an observation day for Youth Day, which fell on a Sunday (16 June) this year.
However, in 2025 there will only be one ‘extra’ public holiday for Freedom Day (Sunday, 27 April) meaning that Monday, 28 April will be a holiday.
There will be no Voting day (that we are aware of …)
This means that South Africa will have 13 days of public holidays next year, but only 12 will be actual days off work.
The fewer days off, the better for business in the country.
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Working South Africans will not get a day off to celebrate National Women’s Day in 2025 because the public holiday falls on Saturday, 9 August.
The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following it will also be a public holiday.
However, for public holidays that fall on a Saturday, it’s just a ‘normal’ weekend day.
Long weekends
The exciting news is that there are FIVE long weekends in 2025.
The first, as mentioned, is thanks to Human Rights Day on Friday, 21 March giving South Africans 21-23 March off.
The second is the Easter weekend with a four-day 18-21 April break to enjoy your chocolate.
The third is thanks to Freedom Day falling on Sunday, 27 April, meaning Monday, 28 April is a holiday – and another three-day weekend.
Monday, 16 June (Youth Day) will mean another three-day long weekend in mid-year, while the fifth and final long weekend in another four-day one with Christmas and the Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) falling on a Thursday and Friday, respectively.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN 2025
Diarise the following public holidays in 2025 and plan your vacations accordingly!
Wednesday, 1 January: New Year’s Day – Passed
Friday, 21 March: Human Rights Day
Friday, 18 April: Good Friday
Monday, 21 April: Family Day
Sunday, 27 April: Freedom Day
Monday, 28 April: Public holiday for Freedom Day observed
Thursday, 1 May: Workers’ Day
Monday, 16 June: Youth Day
Saturday, 9 August: National Women’s Day (lost)
Wednesday, 24 September: Heritage Day
Tuesday, 16 December: Day of Reconciliation
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Day of Goodwill
Average compared to other countries
In a typical year, South Africa has 12 public holidays, which is roughly the average when compared to other countries.
The global average for public holidays is 11 days.
Workers in most European countries enjoy 10-14 public holidays a year. The United Kingdom, however, has only eight.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Myanmar has 30 public holidays, while Sri Lanka, Iran, India and China have 29, 27, 21 and 17, respectively.
Do you have any plans for the Human Rights long weekend?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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