Ourpower

What's Open on National Women's Day 2026

Sunday, 9 August 2026 (Monday 10 August observed)

Women's Day commemorates the 1956 march to the Union Buildings. In 2026 it falls on Sunday 9 August; Monday 10 August is automatically observed as a public holiday under the Public Holidays Act.

Open

  • Grocery retailers - Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar (most stores open, reduced hours)
  • Petrol stations - open 24/7 nationwide
  • Pharmacies - most Dis-Chem, Clicks, and pharmacy stand-alones open (reduced hours)
  • Restaurants - most open, reduced hours; some independents close
  • Movie theatres + cinemas - normally open
  • Shopping malls - open with reduced hours (typically 09:00-17:00 instead of 21:00)
  • Hospitals and emergency services - open 24/7
  • Uber, Bolt, taxis - operate normally (often busier than weekdays)

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

Liquor sales on National Women's Day

  • Liquor stores - generally open, normal liquor-sale hours apply (subject to provincial laws)
  • Restaurants serving liquor - open under their normal liquor licence
  • Bars and clubs - open
Note: Sunday holidays trigger automatic Monday substitution. Both Sunday 9 and Monday 10 August 2026 are public holidays.

FAQs - National Women's Day 2026

Is Shoprite open on National Women's Day?
Yes - Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Spar are all open on National Women's Day with reduced trading hours (typically 09:00-18:00). Hours vary by store - check your local branch.
Are banks open on National Women's Day?
No. All SA bank branches are closed on National Women's Day. ATMs, online banking and mobile apps work as normal.
Is Home Affairs open on National Women's Day?
No. Home Affairs offices are closed on every SA public holiday including National Women's Day. eHomeAffairs online services may still work.
Can I buy alcohol on National Women's Day?
Yes - bottle stores are generally open on National Women's Day during normal liquor-sale hours. Check your provincial liquor laws for any special restrictions.
Are petrol stations open on National Women's Day?
Yes. Petrol stations operate 24/7 every day of the year in South Africa, including National Women's Day. 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.

Subscribe to our telegram channelClick here to join our telegram channel and stay up to date with load shedding and related news!
Copyright Ourpower 2026, All Rights Reserved.HomeFAQPrivacyAPIContactPower OutagesWater OutagesRoad ClosuresDam LevelsLoad ReductionJobsCareMapSpecialsToday