South Africa to get an ‘extra’ public holiday next week

Freedom Day, which is celebrated on 27 April and falls on a Sunday, will give South Africans an ‘extra’ public holiday on Monday, 28 April 2025.

Freedom Day celebrates South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections of 1994 and the day the new constitution was introduced.

On the first commemoration of Freedom Day, former President Nelson Mandela addressed South Africa’s Parliament.

“As a new dawn ushered in this day, 27 April 1994, few of us could suppress the welling of emotion,” Mandela said.

“We’re reminded of the terrible past from which we come as a nation, the great possibilities that we now have, and the bright future that beckons us.”

“Wherever South Africans are across the globe, our hearts beat as one, as we renew our common loyalty to our country and our commitment to its future.”

The government states that Freedom Day has become a day of celebration, reflection, and renewal for the people of South Africa.

“We continue to strive towards building a more inclusive, equitable, peaceful, non-racial and prosperous society,” it said.

The government added that as South Africans celebrate Freedom Day, it is important to remember that democracy is not just about elections.

“Elections promote accountability, transparency, peaceful power transfer, political stability, civic engagement, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms.”

“While we celebrate our freedom today, we must also renew our commitment to the ongoing transformation of our society,” it said.

“We must continue to work together to tackle the social ills that are still afflicting so many of our people today. This requires unity of purpose and cooperation from us all.”

Parliament, the legislative arm of South Africa’s democratic state, paid tribute to leaders who fought for its liberation.

“Let us also make a pledge towards fighting against the erosion of the democratic rights of the people and renew our loyalty to the country and commitment to its future,” it said.

“In commemorating Freedom Day, South Africans from all walks of life and backgrounds must remember that we all have a role to play in building a better future.”

In 2025, Freedom Day falls on a Sunday. The Public Holidays Act makes a special provision for public holidays which fall on a Sunday.

“Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be a public holiday,” states the Public Holidays Act, 1994.

Freedom Day, celebrated on 27 April and falling on a Sunday in 2025, will still result in a day off work on Monday, 28 April.

Simply put, South Africans will enjoy an ‘extra’ public holiday because Freedom Day falls on a Sunday this year.