REMINDER: Long weekend ahead after public holiday promise

South Africans are in for a treat ahead of an upcoming long weekend, thanks to President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring 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.

ALSO READ: Turn 3 days into 10! How to maximise your December public holidays

LONG WEEKEND: PRESIDENT MAKES PUBLIC HOLIDAY PROMISE

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.

ALSO READ: ‘People must not be fooled’: SA rejects December ‘holiday’

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.

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.

ALSO READ: Robbed of a holiday? Why Cyril chose 15 December for celebrations

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.