New Year's Holiday in Botswana
Botswana’s Public Holidays Act names both New Year’s Day and 2 January as public holidays, making the latter a separate statutory holiday.[1] The law sets rules for Sunday observance, while employment law treats paid public holidays under a separate schedule.[1][2]
What the holiday marks
The Act lists 2 January as a public holiday but gives no separate historical origin or national commemoration for the day.[1]
A Botswana DailyNews report from Gaborone and nearby Gabane described New Year’s Eve as a time when friends and families gathered, with parties, dancing and traditional music also reported.[3]
Legal status and observed days
The Public Holidays Act names New Year’s Day and 2 January separately in its schedule. It says that when a scheduled holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. It also specifically provides for the Tuesday after 2 January when 2 January falls on a Monday.[1]
The Act limits which holidays apply in the mining industry: only Christmas Day, Good Friday and Botswana Day are public holidays there under this law. Its general public-holiday designation for 2 January therefore does not apply to mining-industry undertakings in the same way.[1]
Holiday pay and work
The Employment Act has a separate schedule of paid public holidays. That schedule names New Year’s Day but does not name 2 January, even though the Public Holidays Act lists 2 January as a public holiday. Paid-holiday provisions should not be assumed to apply automatically to 2 January.[1][2]
For a holiday that is included in the Employment Act’s paid-holiday rules, the Act provides basic pay when the employee does not work. If an employee works on a paid public holiday, it provides for at least double wages or a paid day off in lieu within 10 days. Those provisions are tied to paid public holidays covered by that Act.[2]
Planning around 2 January
Check opening arrangements with the particular office or service before travelling.[1]
New Year’s Eve gatherings and celebrations have included parties, dancing and traditional music in Gaborone and Gabane.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year's Holiday in Botswana?
The Public Holidays Act lists 2 January as a public holiday, separate from New Year’s Day on 1 January.[1]
Is 2 January a day off for everyone?
What happens if 2 January falls on a Sunday or Monday?
The Public Holidays Act says a scheduled holiday falling on Sunday is observed on the following Monday. It separately says that when 2 January falls on Monday, the following Tuesday is observed.[1]
Are banks, shops and transport open?
Check with the particular business or transport operator before making plans.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Holiday in Botswana:
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS- Botswana e-Laws
- EMPLOYMENT- Botswana e-Laws
- Many hope for fresh start in 2014- DailyNews, Government of Botswana