Unity Day in Zambia
Unity Day is a nationwide public holiday in Zambia, set by law for the Tuesday after Heroes Day.[1]
Date and legal status
Zambia’s Public Holidays Act lists Unity Day among the public holidays observed throughout the country. The Act places it on the Tuesday following Heroes Day, which it sets on the first Monday in July. This makes Unity Day the second day in the two-day sequence named in the schedule.[1]
The Act provides a substitute day when a listed public holiday falls on a Sunday: the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. Unity Day is scheduled for Tuesday, so that Sunday rule does not change its usual weekday.[1]
Work and public services
The Employment Code Act addresses employees who work on a public holiday. When the holiday does not form part of an employee’s normal working week, the employer must pay double the employee’s hourly rate for work on that day. The provision allows for work on a public holiday; it does not establish that every workplace closes or that every employee has the day off.[2]
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check directly with banks, shops, schools and transport services for their holiday schedules.[1]
Meaning and observance
The Act identifies Unity Day as a public holiday but does not explain its origin or prescribe ceremonies, customs, food, public events or regional practices. Check with a local cultural organisation for information about the holiday.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Unity Day in Zambia?
It is scheduled for the Tuesday after Heroes Day, which falls on the first Monday in July.[1]
Is Unity Day a public holiday throughout Zambia?
Yes. The Public Holidays Act says the holidays in its schedule are to be observed throughout Zambia, and lists Unity Day in that schedule.[1]
Does everyone get the day off work?
What is open on Unity Day?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check with banks, shops, schools and transport services for their schedules.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Unity Day in Zambia:
- Public Holidays Act- National Assembly of Zambia
- The Employment Code Act, No. 3 of 2019- National Assembly of Zambia