How to Turn 15 Days into 38 Leave Days Off In 2025

For many South Africans, planning annual leave is more than just scheduling time off—it’s about making the most of every opportunity to recharge. By aligning your leave days with public holidays, you can stretch 15 days into a total of 38 days off in 2025. Here’s how you can strategically plan your year for maximum relaxation.

March & April: A Long Stretch of Holidays

Take advantage of a series of public holidays, including Human Rights Day, Easter, and Freedom Day.

Public Holidays

Friday, 21 March (Human Rights Day)
Friday, 18 April (Good Friday)
Monday, 21 April (Family Day)
Sunday, 27 April (Freedom Day, observed on Monday, 28 April

Plan

Take leave from Monday, 17 to Thursday, 20 March.
Take leave from Tuesday, 22 to Wednesday, 30 April.

Days Off: 24 days (15 March–7 May) using 12 leave days

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June: A Mid-Year Break

Celebrate Youth Day with an extended weekend.

Public Holiday: Monday, 16 June (Youth Day)
Plan: Take leave on Friday, 13 June.
Days Off: 4 days (13–16 June)

September: Heritage Long Weekend

Make the most of Heritage Day to enjoy a late-year break.

Public Holiday: Wednesday, 24 September (Heritage Day)
Plan: Take leave on Thursday, 25 and 26 September.
Days Off: 5 days (24–28 September)

December: Festive Season Bliss

End the year with a festive holiday to enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Public Holidays:

Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day)
Friday, 26 December (Day of Goodwill)
Plan: Take leave from Monday, 22 December, to Wednesday, 24 December.
Days Off: 9 days (20–28 December) using 3 days

Tips for Smarter Leave Days Planning

Plan Early: Submit your leave requests as soon as possible to secure approval. Popular dates tend to get snapped up quickly.
Consider Work Balance: Coordinate with colleagues to ensure your absence doesn’t disrupt workflows.
Stay Flexible: If you’re unable to align with all public holidays, consider shorter breaks to spread your leave throughout the year.

By using this strategy, you’ll have ample time to rest, travel, or simply enjoy more downtime with loved ones. Maximise your 2025 leave, and make it a year to remember!