South Africa has a dozen official public holidays each year, honouring different events or traditions.
One of them is the Workers' Day, also known as May Day across the globe.
So, why do we celebrate Workers' Day in South Africa?
Workers' Day celebration in South Africa. Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Per-Anders Pettersson (modified by author)Source: Getty Images
Learn more about the special day and how South Africans celebrate it.
Workers Day in South Africa honours the fight for workers rights.
The day recognizes those who struggled for fair wages and improved working conditions.
Read also
It also acknowledges the role workers played in ending apartheid.
It serves as a reminder toreflect on progressand continue advocating for fairness.
Employees have made significant strides, moving from long working hours to a standard 8-hour workday.
South African citizens at a Workers' Day event. Photo: Per-Anders PetterssonSource: Getty Images
The fight for shorter working hours began in the 1800s as permultiple sources.
They also decided that May 1st would be the ideal date to commemorate workers.
He urged the white labour movement to find a way to organize African labourers.
Read also
This marked the start of the labour movement in South Africa.
In response, the Internationalist Socialist League (ISL) was formed in 1916.
The Russian Revolution in 1917 gave new international significance to May Day.
Read also
However, the rally did not happen.
The strike led to police violence, resulting in 18 deaths acrossSoweto.
When was Workers' Day first celebrated in South Africa?
Read also
Workers called for May Day to be renamed Workers Day and for it to become a public holiday.
This marked thebeginning of national recognitionand celebration.
It is also a time to honour those who fought against racism and discrimination.
International Workers' Day in South Africa commemorations in South Africa. Photo: Ihsaan HaffejeeSource: Getty Images
Workers fought for equal rights, both at work and outside.
The journey to have these rights enshrined in the constitution was not easy.
It is a journey worth celebrating.
Read also
The day began as a global tribute to workers rights in 1891.
Today, it stands for dignity, fair pay, and safe work.
People gather in marches, reflect on progress, and speak out on current challenges.
Read also
Workers Day reminds South Africans that the struggle for justice at work is not over.
Is Workers' Day a public holiday?
Yes, Workers Day is a public holiday in South Africa and many other countries.
Nelson Mandela visits Hlengiwe School to encourage students to learn. Photo: Louise GubbSource: Getty Images
Schools and businesses close, while some people organize sporting games and events.
Leaders givecaptivating speechesto honour workers.
When is Youth Day in South Africa?
Read also
TheYouth Dayhonours the youth who were ambushed by apartheid police in Soweto on this day in 1976.
Over 500 young people were killed.
The day serves as a reminder of their sacrifice and the struggle against apartheid.
Read also
Why was 16 December celebrated in South Africa?
16 December is significant in South Africa.
Later, the day was redefined.
It is now called theDay of Reconciliationand celebrates unity and reconciliation after the end of apartheid.
When is Freedom Day in South Africa?
Freedom Day in South Africa is celebrated on April 27.
It marks the first post-apartheid elections held on this day in 1994.
For the first time, all South Africans over 18, regardless of race, were allowed to vote.
The day also commemorates the introduction of the new constitution.
On its first commemoration, President Nelson Mandela addressed Parliament.
What are the quotes for Freedom Day in South Africa?
The official recognition of Workers' Day in South Africa is credited to COSATU.
In 1986, COSATU organized a large-scale stay-away.
The goal was to demand that May Day be recognized as a paid public holiday.
What is Workers' Day in South Africa?
In South Africa, Workers' Day is celebrated on May 1st each year.
It is also known as International Workers' Day or May Day.
The day honors workers' rights and the role of trade unions.
It marks their fight against apartheid and for fair employment standards.
What is the 4-day workweek in South Africa?
In South Africa, there is no official national policy for a 4-day workweek.
However, some companies have tested or adopted it.
These companies usually work 32 hours per week while maintaining full pay.
The pilot programs aim to assess the impact on employee well-being, productivity, andbusinessoperations.
Barcode turns 50 but its days might be numbered
Why do we celebrate Workers' Day in South Africa?
It is important to celebrate the small wins as you fight for better deals in the future.
Briefly.co.za recently published an article onFreedom Day in South Africa2025: quotes, history, numbers, facts.
What happened on Freedom Day 27 April 1994?
South Africa made a vital milestone on this day.
Read detailed facts about Freedom Day South Africa in this article.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
you’re able to email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
Sharon has written articles and blog posts for MSN News, Ihamba Adventures, and Industry Biz.
you’re free to reach Sharon J. Boit by email at boit@gmail.com.
