Ourpower

What's Open on Workers' Day 2026

Friday, 1 May 2026

Workers' Day (May Day, Labour Day) honours workers' rights. 2026 falls on a Friday, immediately following Freedom Day on the Monday before.

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 Workers' 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: If you took Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 April as leave, Freedom Day + Workers' Day combine for a 10-day break (26 April Sunday through 4 May Sunday).

FAQs - Workers' Day 2026

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