Staff Reporter
South Africans will have an additional public holiday in November after President Cyril Ramaphosa officially declared Wednesday, 4 November 2026, a public holiday.
The date coincides with South Africa’s Local Government Elections, with voters across the country expected to head to polling stations to elect municipal representatives.
The declaration was made in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act, following the official proclamation of 4 November as the election date by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.
The election date was announced earlier this year following discussions involving national government and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). The choice of a November date was intended to avoid the festive season and limit disruption to schools and the matric examination timetable.
Concerns had previously been raised about the potential impact of elections on matric examinations, as schools are commonly used as voting stations. The IEC has indicated that arrangements made with the Department of Basic Education should ensure minimal disruption to learners.
The additional holiday means 4 November will be a nationwide public holiday, giving registered voters the opportunity to participate in the municipal elections.
South Africa’s existing 2026 public holiday calendar includes Heritage Day on 24 September, the Day of Reconciliation on 16 December and the December festive-season holidays.
