If you’re wondering how to streeeeetch your 15 leave days into 38 days off in 2025, here’s HOW!
The average formally employed worker in South Africa in entitled to 15 leave days per annum. In addition, we are (usually) not required to work on public holidays.
RELATED | Good news for LONG WEEKENDS in South Africa in 2025
As first reported by The South African website, South Africa will have fewer public holidays next year compared to 2024.
There will be 13 public holidays in 2025, but only 12 will be celebrated as National Women’s Day on Saturday, 9 August 2025 will sadly not mean a day off work.
However, despite the fewer holidays, those prepared to plan around those days off could get as many as 38 days off during the year!
For example, the Easter holiday period offers employees an ideal chance to extend their break.
By using only 12 days of leave, workers can create a 24-day vacation lasting from 11 April until 5 May!
Public holidays which fall within this time period include Good Friday (18 April), Family Day (21 April), Freedom Day (27 April, celebrated on Monday, 28 April) and Workers’ Day (1 May).
Another opportunity to maximise your leave will be over the Christmas period.
Since 25 and 26 December are public holidays, by taking leave from 22-24 December, this ultimately results in a nine days off. This is because 20 and 21 December fall over a weekend, as well as 27 and 28 December.
Thereby, workers receive a total of nine days off, by applying for three days’ of leave.
So … along with the five other public holidays in 2025 that don’t fall into the abovementioned two scenarios, that gives workers a whopping 38 days off.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN 2025
Wednesday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
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.
Are you someone who plans leave around public holidays?
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