Good Friday in Zimbabwe
Good Friday is a public holiday in Zimbabwe and a day when many Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Zimbabwe’s law also makes the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, public holidays.[1][3]
A public holiday by law
Zimbabwe’s Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act lists Good Friday, the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday as public holidays. The Act provides that if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also a public holiday; Good Friday itself falls on a Friday.[1]
The Labour Act provides employees with leave during public holidays and their current remuneration for a holiday that falls on a day they would otherwise work. An employee who agrees to work on a public holiday must receive at least twice their current remuneration for that day.[2]
Christian observance in Zimbabwe
Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion and death, within the Easter observance that continues to Easter Sunday. This is the Christian meaning of the day.[3]
The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe describes Easter gatherings in its circuits and societies. Its account says that gatherings may include a Good Friday “Service of the Seven Words,” with hymns in Shona and Ndebele. These are examples of Methodist observance, not evidence that every denomination holds the same services.[3]
The church’s account also describes foot washing and a Last Supper service as part of the first day of its Easter gatherings, and community outreach during Holy Saturday. Those details illustrate how one Zimbabwean church connects Good Friday with the wider Easter period.[3]
Planning around the holiday
The Act gives the President power to prohibit particular businesses or public access to institutions by statutory instrument. Check directly with a bank, business or transport operator before visiting or travelling.[1]
Good Friday in Zimbabwe: FAQs
Is Good Friday a paid day off?
The Labour Act provides leave during public holidays and current remuneration when the day falls on a day an employee would otherwise work. Employees who agree to work must receive at least twice their current remuneration for that day.[2]
When is Good Friday observed?
Are shops and banks closed?
Shops and banks set their own hours, so check with the specific business or bank before travelling.
Are there special services in Zimbabwe?
The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe describes Easter gatherings that can include a Good Friday Service of the Seven Words and hymns in Shona and Ndebele. Practices vary between churches.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Good Friday in Zimbabwe:
- Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act- Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute (ZimLII)
- Labour Act (Chapter 28:01)- Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute (ZimLII)
- Understanding the Christian Calendar in the MCZ Tradition- The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe