Holidays in South Africa
School Terms and Holidays in South Africa (RSA)
Welcome to our page dedicated to the school holidays in South Africa for the year 2024. Here, you will find a comprehensive calendar listing with all the important dates. It’s worth noting that these dates are highly unlikely to be changed by the Department of Basic Education.
| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| First Day of School | 17 Jan 2024 (Wed) | |
| Term 1 Holidays | 21 Mar 2024 (Thu) | 2 Apr 2024 (Tue) |
| Term 2 Holidays | 17 Jun 2024 (Mon) | 8 Jul 2024 (Mon) |
| Term 3 Holidays | 23 Sep 2024 (Mon) | 30 Sep 2024 (Mon) |
| Term 4 Holidays | 12 Dec 2024 (Thu) | 14 Jan 2025 (Tue) |
| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| First Day of School | 17 Jan 2024 (Wed) | |
| Term 1 Holidays | 21 Mar 2024 (Thu) | 2 Apr 2024 (Tue) |
| Term 2 Holidays | 17 Jun 2024 (Mon) | 8 Jul 2024 (Mon) |
| Term 3 Holidays | 23 Sep 2024 (Mon) | 30 Sep 2024 (Mon) |
| Term 4 Holidays | 12 Dec 2024 (Thu) | 14 Jan 2025 (Tue) |
Planning your year ahead? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make the most of your school holidays in 2024. Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, this calendar will help you stay organized and make the most of your well-deserved breaks.
Please keep in mind that the Department of Basic Education rarely modifies these dates, so you can rely on this calendar to plan your vacations, family outings, or simply some quality time to relax and recharge.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy the upcoming school holidays in South Africa in 2024!
1 January: New Year’s Day
21 March: Human Rights Day
29 March: Good Friday *
1 April: Family Day
27 April: Freedom Day
1 May: Workers’ Day
16 June: Youth Day
17 June: Public holiday Youth Day observed **
9 August: National Women’s Day
24 September: Heritage Day
16 December: Day of Reconciliation
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Day of Goodwill
In South Africa, school terms are scheduled to align with vacation days across all provinces. This ensures that students and teachers can enjoy a well-deserved break and recharge for the upcoming term. Additionally, there are several special days and holidays celebrated throughout the year, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Day, and the Easter weekend.
These holidays provide an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the love and appreciation they have for one another. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to our parents for their unwavering support and love. Valentine’s Day, on the other hand, is a day to celebrate romantic love and affection, where couples exchange heartfelt gestures and tokens of love.
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a fresh start and is often celebrated with parties, and resolutions for the year ahead. Lastly, the Easter weekend holds great significance for Christians, as it commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
By acknowledging and observing these special days and holidays, South Africans embrace the opportunity to strengthen bonds, express love, and reflect on the values that hold our society together.
In South Africa, Easter is celebrated by the majority of the population, who identify as Christians.
However, there are signs of secularisation and commercialisation of the holiday. Like in other countries, Easter in South Africa commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and includes traditions like Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs. The country also has Easter parades, egg hunts, workshops for decorating eggs, and grand feasts with local dishes. Churches of all denominations hold prayer services and special events for a week after Easter Sunday. Easter Monday, now known as “Family Day,” is a time for relaxation and recovery. South Africa has specific Easter dishes, such as hot cross buns and pickled fish. Hot cross buns come from British tradition and pickled fish is a Muslim Malay tradition. The popularity of pickled fish during Easter is due to factors like the abundance of fish in Capetown, its long shelf life, and the Catholic tradition of avoiding red meat during this time.
The Day of Goodwill is a South African holiday that takes place on December 26. It used to be known as Boxing Day before 1994, but it was changed to symbolize South Africa’s independence. The holiday is focused on compassion, relaxation, and giving back to society after the Christmas holiday. Many people donate their belongings to those in need and host meals for the less fortunate. It is also a time to enjoy the summer weather and spend time with loved ones. The specific celebrations on the Day of Goodwill vary depending on family traditions.
National Women’s Day is a public holiday in South Africa celebrated every August 9th. It commemorates the 1956 march of 20,000 women on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws, which restricted travel within South Africa for people designated as “black.” The women petitioned the government to change these policies and stood in silent protest outside the capital complex. The leaders of the movement were Lilian Ngoyi, Sophia Williams, Rahima Moosa, and Helen Joseph. National Women’s Day was first celebrated in 1994 after the democratic government came to South Africa. Today, the day is marked by speeches highlighting the progress of women in various fields. The Union Buildings, where the march took place, can be visited in Pretoria, as well as the Ditsong Museum of Natural History. South Africa’s history of discrimination changed partly because of the brave actions of its women.
Father’s Day in South Africa is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, honoring fathers and grandfathers. The holiday originated in the early 1900s in the USA and has spread to most countries, including South Africa. Although not an official public holiday, it is still recognized and celebrated. South African culture values fathers, so it is important to show appreciation by taking them out for a meal, having a picnic, or preparing their favorite foods and drinks. Children often give their fathers gifts on this day.
In South Africa, Mother’s Day is not an official holiday, but it is widely celebrated on the second Sunday of May. South Africans value motherhood and family life, making Mother’s Day an important event. Traditionally, mothers wear red or pink carnations, while a white carnation may be worn for those who have passed away. Younger children often make homemade gifts, while older children buy gifts, flowers, or cards. The idea of Mother’s Day originated in the USA in 1872 and has since spread worldwide.
Black Friday in South Africa 29 Nov is a shopping event inspired by the United States. It occurs on the fourth Friday of November, following American Thanksgiving. Although not a public holiday, many individuals participate in this day by shopping at malls and online.
