Republic Day in South Sudan

Date and status

Republic Day falls on December 28 each year. South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority lists it among the national public holidays, and the East African Community’s country profile also names December 28 as Republic Day.[1][3]

The Labour Act sets the employment rules for public holidays. It says employees are entitled to paid leave on days the Ministry of Labour declares as public holidays. If an employee is required to work on one, the employer must provide either double the regular hourly rate for the hours worked or one paid day off in compensation.[2]

The Act says public holidays are observed on their calendar dates. It does not provide a substitute day when one falls on a weekend, so the date remains December 28 under the law.[2]

How it differs from Independence Day

Republic Day and Independence Day are separate dates in South Sudan’s holiday list. The East African Community identifies July 9, 2011, as the date South Sudan gained independence, and lists Independence Day on July 9 and Republic Day on December 28.[3]

That distinction matters for understanding the calendar: Republic Day is a separate national observance, not another name for the July independence anniversary.[1][3]

What is known about observances

The official holiday list confirms Republic Day’s place in South Sudan’s national calendar.[1][3]

For residents and visitors, the confirmed point is its status as a national public holiday. Check with local organisers for information about celebrations by state or community, or public events in Juba each year.[1][3]

Work and travel planning

The Labour Act’s paid-leave provision applies to employees covered by the Act; it excludes some categories, including members of the army and organized forces, judges, diplomatic service personnel and constitutional post holders. People required to work on the holiday have the compensation options set out in the Act.[2]

Check directly with a specific office, bank, shop or carrier before making plans.[1][2]