Let's face it, we all look forward to a day off without having to sacrifice our leave! But, if you're willing to give up at least three leave days, you will enjoy three extended long weekends this year! Keep reading to find out which days each of our public holidays fall on throughout the year and get started on planning how you can use your leave days wisely.
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Human Rights Day – 21 March 2021 Easter – 02 to 05 April 2021 Freedom Day – 27 April 2021 International Workers' Day – 01 May 2021 Youth Day – 16 June 2021 National Women's Day – 09 August 2021 Heritage Day – 24 September 2021 Day of Reconciliation – 16 December 2021 Christmas – 25 December 2021 Boxing Day – 27 December 2021 New Year's Day – 01 January 2022Human Rights Day – 21 March 2021
Due to Human Rights Day falling on a Sunday this year, that means that we have an additional day as an acknowledgement of the public holiday. So, Monday 22 March 2021 is deemed a public holiday, too! Which means we have at least one long weekend during the month of March! And along with a long weekend comes a wide selection of way to send it, including events, watching movies, or simply just leaving your home and exploring what the city has to offer.
Easter – 02 to 05 April 2021
Easter weekend is always an exciting one! We get a four day long weekend filled with plenty of family time, celebrations, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, and of course, there'll be plenty of Easter eggs hiding in the garden. As far as dates go, the days we'll have off are the following:- Friday 02 April 2021: Good Friday
- Monday, 05 April 2021: Family Day
Freedom Day – 27 April 2021
Freedom Day lands on a Tuesday this year, so why not sacrifice one day's leave for the Monday before and you'll have another four-day long weekend during the month of April! And why not make the most of this long weekend by going out and exploring all the heritage and excitement Joburg has to offer.
International Workers' Day – 01 May 2021
It's a pity that International Worker's Day lands on a Saturday this year, but it still doesn't stop you from perhaps using another leave day for either the Friday on Monday to make this another long weekend, right after the Freedom Day weekend! This might even be the shortest working week of the year without giving up too much leave (just think of it: apply for two days leave and enjoy a four day weekend, two working days, and then another three day weekend). This gives you ample time to do whatever want, whenever you want.
Youth Day – 16 June 2021
This year, Youth Day finds itself smack bang in the middle of the week! How frustrating! If you wish for a long weekend, you can apply for two days leave on either side of Wednesday, or simply just enjoy this Youth Day for what it is: a mini weekend. A day off in the middle of the week is ALWAYS welcome. And if you're looking for something to do on this day, keep an eye on this post as the date approaches.
National Women's Day – 09 August 2021
August is Women's Month! But for the actual National Women's Day, you'll find that on the 9th, which is on a Monday this year, which means we have another three-day weekend to look forward to. Although, August is a month long celebration of the strong, independent and wonderful ladies in our lives, we all do enjoy getting a free day off this month. And along with the Women's Day long weekend comes a bunch of must-dos and delights to spoil the women in our lives.
Heritage Day – 24 September 2021
Another month, another long weekend! In September, we can look forward to yet another three-day weekend as Heritage Day falls on a Friday! We'll definitely need an extra day to celebrate all things that make us Proudly South African and then recover from all the exciting things we'll be getting up to over the Heritage Day weekend.
Day of Reconciliation – 16 December 2021
We'll have to apply for yet another day's leave here to enjoy the last long weekend of they year, unless you're working over the festive season. The Day of Reconciliation falls on a Thursday, so be sure to apply well in advance for that Friday off to give you either an early start to your year-end holiday or a long weekend to tide you over until Christmas.
Christmas Day – 25 December 2021
Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year, but at least most of us will be on leave at this point. If not, and you want to extend your already three-day long weekend by one more day (you'll see why below), you can apply to take Christmas Eve off, giving you a four-day long weekend (if you're working through the festive season). And if you'd like to see what you can get up to during the festive season, be sure to take a look at our Christmas Season Guide To Joburg. You'll find everything you need to make your holiday season extra special there.
Boxing Day – 26 December 2021
Due to Boxing Day falling on a Sunday this year, that means that we have an additional day as an acknowledgement of the public holiday. Thus, Monday 27 December 2021 is deemed a public holiday, too! So we can expect an extra long Christmas Weekend this year! I think we're going to need it after all of the feasting, family time and fun we'll be having. Need time to digest, recover and relax before we start off the new year on a high note!
New Year's Day 2022 – 01 January 2022
And last but certainly not least, we get to one of the most exciting public holidays of the year – New Year! This is day that signifies a fresh start and the beginning of another year full of new opportunities. And if you're looking to ringing in the New Year with a bang, click here to take a look at our New Year's Celebration Guide To Johannesburg, complete with parties, dinners and more.
