South Africa will celebrate National Women’s Day this weekend, but does this public holiday grant a day off for workers?
Well, since the 9th of August falls on a Saturday this year, it seems South Africans are out of luck.
According to the Public Holidays Act (Act No. 36 of 1994), when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a day off. However, if the holiday falls on a Saturday, it is treated as part of the regular weekend.
No extra day off for South Africans
Despite this bad luck, National Women’s Day is still a significantly important holiday in South Africa.
Observed annually on 9 August, commemorates the 1956 march of over 20 000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
These women, led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, stood united against the apartheid government’s pass laws – a defining moment in South Africa’s struggle for equality and women’s rights.
The day is not only symbolic of the sacrifices made but also serves as a time to reflect on the progress achieved and the challenges that remain in the fight for gender equality.
What will you be doing this National Women’s Day?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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