REMINDER: Why President made 15 December a public holiday

South Africans will finally get their long weekend, thanks to President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring Friday, 15 December a public holiday.

The day was granted as a result of the Springboks’s second consecutive Rugby World Cup, almost two months ago. According to the president, the delay was due to Matric learners writing their exams around the country.

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LONG WEEKEND IS HERE!

The president’s public holiday promise was made during a national address on Monday, 30 October.

Ramaphosa touched on many notable sporting victories in South Africa.

They include the country’s participation in the recent Fifa Women’s World Cup, Netball World Cup, and even Cricket World Cup, which is currently ongoing.

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Naturally, the Springboks’s Rugby World Cup win was the icing on the cake and “rightfully calls for a moment to celebrate.”

With that being said, South Africans would be granted a day off- i.e., a public holiday – on 15 December.

A reminder that 15 December 2023 is a public holiday made possible by the Springboks. Let’s sing together 🗣️
We have so much to celebrate 🍾 pic.twitter.com/pLohdXhbP7

— Bongekile Filana 🇿🇦 (@BongekileFilana) December 14, 2023

PUBLIC HOLIDAY: WHY 15 DECEMBER?

According to the 2023 calendar, it was revealed that South Africans would “lose” one holiday this year, as 16 December – the Day of Reconciliation – falls on a Saturday.

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According to the Public Holiday Act, any official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be automatically carried over to the next day, i.e., Monday.

However, if it falls on a Saturday, no provisions will be made for it.

In this case, many believe Cyril Ramaphosa declared 15 December a holiday, in lieu of the day after.