5 facts you didn’t know about Workers’ Day
May 1 only became an officially recognised public holiday after the democratic elections of 1994
Workers’ Day is a national public holiday in South Africa, observed on May 1, which serves to pay homage to the working class of the nation.
There are some facts you may not know about today though:
- Because the holiday falls on the 1st of May in many parts of the world, Workers’ Day is also widely known as ‘May Day’.
2. May Day has been celebrated unofficially in South Africa since the 1980s. May 1 only became an officially recognised public holiday after the democratic elections of 1994.
3. The first recorded celebration of May Day in South Africa is reported by Ray Alexander.
It is said to have taken place in 1895 and the celebration was organised by the Johannesburg District Trades Council.
4. The eight-hour movement to reduce the working day from 10 to eight hours began after the Civil War.
This would pave the way for similar movements and Workers’ Day.
5. In many countries, Workers’ Day is known as Labor Day, such as America.
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