What Are The Public Holidays in South Africa in 2025?

List of Public Holidays in South Africa in 2025

Below is the official list of public holidays in South Africa for 2025. These dates are recognized nationwide and must be observed by employers in compliance with South African labor law.

Do Employers Have to Provide Paid Leave on Public Holidays?

Yes, South African labor law requires employers to provide paid leave for public holidays. Employees who normally work on the day of the week when the holiday falls must receive their normal pay if they do not work. If they are required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to double their normal daily rate or a paid day off in lieu.

Both full-time and part-time employees qualify for public holiday pay if they would ordinarily work that day. Public holidays are not deducted from annual leave entitlements; they are separate, statutory days off.

Legal Penalties for Not Providing Paid Holiday Leave

Employers who fail to comply with paid public holiday provisions may face penalties under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Non-compliance can lead to enforcement by the Department of Employment and Labour, fines, and potential orders to compensate employees for unpaid leave or incorrect pay rates.

Violations most often occur among part-time or temporary workers, where employers incorrectly assume exemptions apply. Employees can file formal complaints with the Department of Labour or refer disputes to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). To avoid violations, employers should maintain accurate payroll records, review employment contracts for alignment with statutory law, and ensure managers are aware of legal pay requirements for holidays.

How Do Holidays Affect Overtime Thresholds?

Public holidays in South Africa count as paid rest days, and if employees work on these days, their hours are not counted as ordinary time. Instead, work performed on a public holiday must be paid at double the normal rate or compensated with additional time off. These hours do not count toward standard weekly overtime thresholds since they are already compensated at a premium.

Stay 100% Compliant with Leave Regulations Using Playroll

Leave entitlements, from public holidays to annual leave and special statutory allowances, vary widely between countries and even regions. Managing these differences correctly is essential to avoid disputes, penalties, and unnecessary payroll costs.

In South Africa, where labor law is actively enforced and record-keeping is crucial, Playroll helps employers stay compliant by automatically tracking every legislative update from the Department of Labour. Our system ensures that employees’ pay and time off reflect the exact public holiday entitlements under South African law.

With Playroll, you do not have to second-guess whether your South African team is receiving the right compensation. Our platform integrates leave compliance directly into payroll, offering transparency, accuracy, and peace of mind. Partner with Playroll to simplify your global leave management and stay fully compliant everywhere you operate.

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