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    Public holidays

    12 gazetted South African public holidays where employees receive normal pay if they don't work, or double pay if they do.

    Full definition

    The Public Holidays Act (1994) declares 12 paid public holidays annually. Employees paid a salary receive their normal wage if the holiday falls on a working day whether they work or not; if they work, they earn double their ordinary daily wage.

    See also

    Overtime
    Time worked over 45 hours per week, paid at 1.5x normal rate (2x for Sundays and public holidays).
    BCEA
    The Basic Conditions of Employment Act sets the minimum working hours, leave and pay conditions for South African employees.

    Automate Public holidays in your payroll

    Payroll Africa handles Public holidays calculations automatically for South African employers — SARS-aligned for 2026/27. From R90/month.

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    Let payroll handle Public holidays for you

    Payroll Africa calculates it automatically every month for South African employers — SARS-aligned, with payslips, EMP201 and IRP5 included.

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