Good Friday in South Africa
Good Friday is a public holiday throughout South Africa and a Christian day of remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus. Its date changes each year, and South African law sets it as the Friday before Easter Sunday.[1][2]
A public holiday under South African law
The Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994 includes Good Friday in South Africa’s public holiday calendar and provides for public holidays to be paid holidays. Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, an employer may require an employee to work on a public holiday only by agreement. If the employee would ordinarily work that day and does not, the employer must pay at least the wage they would normally receive; if they do work, the Act sets the applicable pay rules.[2][3]
The Act lists the Monday after a public holiday that falls on a Sunday as a public holiday. Good Friday falls on a Friday, so that Sunday rule does not create a substitute day for it. The date is linked to Easter: the South African Government says Good Friday and Easter Sunday are determined according to the ecclesiastical moon and fall between late March and late April.[1][2]
Christian meaning and local observance
Christians mark Good Friday in remembrance of Jesus’ passion and death, within the Easter observances that also include Easter Sunday. In Durban, one documented local tradition connects worship with public reflection on injustice: the Diakonia Council of Churches has held Good Friday services since 1985, initially in solidarity with people oppressed under apartheid.[4]
Diakonia’s account describes services and silent processions through Durban, with church and civic leaders carrying crosses. The procession has also represented solidarity with people facing economic injustice, abuse, illness and poverty. This is a documented Durban observance; it does not establish that the same event or customs take place across the country.[4]
Planning around the day
Good Friday is a public holiday in South Africa, and it affects employment entitlements.[2][3]
Good Friday in South Africa: FAQs
Is Good Friday a public holiday in South Africa?
Do employees get the day off with pay?
If an employee would ordinarily work that day and does not, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act requires at least their usual wage. An employer may require work on a public holiday only by agreement, and separate pay rules apply when an employee works.[3]
When does Good Friday fall?
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
Check with the specific shop, bank or transport operator before travelling.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Good Friday in South Africa:
- Public holidays in South Africa- South African Government
- Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994- South African Government
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act- Department of Employment and Labour
- Good Friday Service- Diakonia Council of Churches