Over the first half of the year, there were seven public holidays to enjoy in South Africa, which included a few timely long weekends.
For those who may be wondering when the next public holiday will be, here is a reminder that it falls on Tuesday, 16 June for Youth Day.
Youth Day honours the memory of the Soweto Uprising, which took place on 16 June 1976. It is one of the most significant turning points in South Africa’s history, marking the day thousands of black students protested against the Apartheid government’s education policies.
Following 16 June, a public holiday will be observed on 10 August for Women’s Day, and after that, there will be Heritage Day on 24 September.
These are the only upcoming public holidays this year before the three during the December festive season.
Remaining public holidays in South Africa for 2026
Youth Day: Tuesday, 16 June
National Women’s Day: Sunday, 9 August
Public Holiday (Observed): Monday, 10 August (Because Women’s Day falls on a Sunday)
Heritage Day: Thursday, 24 September
Day of Reconciliation: Wednesday, 16 December
Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December
Day of Goodwill: Saturday, 26 December
School holidays
For learners across South Africa, Term 2 will end on Friday, 26 June.
Learners will then be on a break until Tuesday, 21 July when they will return to their desks for Term 3, which, at 51 school days, is the shortest of the year.
Academic Year Schedule
The 2026 school year is structured as follows:
- Term 1: 14 January – 27 March (53 days)
- Term 2: 8 April – 26 June (54 days)
- Term 3: 21 July – 23 September (51 days)
- Term 4: 6 October – 9 December (47 days)
In total, the calendar includes 205 school days, 28 school holidays, and five public holidays.
