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What's Open on Good Friday 2026

Friday, 3 April 2026

Good Friday is part of the Easter long weekend (Friday to Family Day). Most retailers are open with reduced hours; many people travel.

Open

  • Grocery retailers - Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar (reduced hours, typically 08:00-18:00)
  • Petrol stations - open 24/7 (traditionally very busy with travellers)
  • Pharmacies - open with reduced hours
  • Restaurants in tourist areas - mostly open
  • Cinemas + shopping malls - open with reduced hours
  • Hospitals and emergency services - 24/7

Closed

  • Government services - Home Affairs, SASSA, Department of Labour, Traffic Departments
  • Banks - all branches closed; ATMs and online banking operate normally
  • Post Office (SAPO) branches
  • SARS branches and physical service points (eFiling operates normally)
  • Most office-based businesses
  • Most schools and universities (in school terms)
  • Stock exchange (JSE)
  • Most public libraries
  • Most NON-tourist-area restaurants and cafés may be closed (e.g. in office districts)
  • Most bottle stores are CLOSED on Good Friday in most provinces

Liquor sales on Good Friday

  • Liquor sales are restricted on Good Friday in MOST provinces (Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN allow normal sales; check your province)
  • Restaurants with liquor licences can serve drinks with meals - normal operation
  • Bottle stores generally CLOSED on Good Friday in most provinces
Note: Easter weekend creates SA's busiest roads of the year. Petrol prices may have been adjusted on 1 April (first Wednesday of the month).

FAQs - Good Friday 2026

Is Shoprite open on Good Friday?
Yes - Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Spar are all open on Good Friday with reduced trading hours (typically 09:00-18:00). Hours vary by store - check your local branch.
Are banks open on Good Friday?
No. All SA bank branches are closed on Good Friday. ATMs, online banking and mobile apps work as normal.
Is Home Affairs open on Good Friday?
No. Home Affairs offices are closed on every SA public holiday including Good Friday. eHomeAffairs online services may still work.
Can I buy alcohol on Good Friday?
Liquor sales are restricted on Good Friday in most SA provinces. Restaurants with a liquor licence can serve drinks with meals as normal. Bottle stores are generally closed.
Are petrol stations open on Good Friday?
Yes. Petrol stations operate 24/7 every day of the year in South Africa, including Good Friday. Forecourt convenience shops may have reduced hours.

Other 2026 public holidays

Related

Trading hours summarised from each retailer's published holiday trading schedule. Individual stores may vary - check your local store. Liquor sales subject to provincial laws. Last verified 2026-05-14.

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