21 March: Human Rights Day - On this day in 1996, the South African Human Rights Commission was established to promote respect for human rights, along with protection, development and attainment of human rights.

27 April: Freedom Day - This day commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994.

1 May: Workers Day - This international public holiday is celebrated on May 1 to honour all workers.

16 June: Youth Day – Previously known as Soweto Day, this day celebrates the protest march by 20,000 children from Soweto to demand equal rights and civil liberties.

18 July: Nelson Mandela’s birthday – the birthday of South Africa’s most famous citizen is regarded as important for the entire country and is celebrated with parties or quiet social gatherings.

9 August: National Women’s Day – This commemorates a march by women against the hated pass laws, which were enforced to ensure African persons carried a document to ‘prove’ that they were allowed to enter a ‘white area’.

Pretoria Show, August/September, in Pretoria. The Pretoria Show is the region's biggest agricultural show and the annual highlight for the many farmers to the north of the country. It is held at the Tshwane Events Centre, which was formerly known as the Pretoria Showgrounds. Agricultural competitions and exhibitions dominate, but there is also a large commercial sector and entertainment for the whole family.

24 September: National Heritage Day - This relatively new public holiday is a day of creative expression, tying into the nation’s history, language and traditional cuisine. The aim is to promote South African unity and heritage. The government determines a theme for each year’s celebrations.

16 December: Day of Reconciliation - This commemorates the 1838 battle between Zulu and Boer troops. The Voortrekkers took a Vow before God that they would build a church and all their descendants would observe the day if they won the battle. The holiday was later changed to promote reconciliation and national unity.

21 March: Human Rights Day
27 April: Freedom Day
1 May: Workers Day
16 June: Youth Day
18 July: Nelson Mandela’s birthday
9 August: National Women’s Day
24 September: National Heritage Day
16 December: Day of Reconciliation