Does SA have enough public holidays?

POLOKWANE – South Africa celebrates 13 public holidays annually. Review spoke to residents to find out if they thought there were enough public holidays, or too many.

George Kekana said there were too few public holidays and the government should increase them.

“The government should at least make Mandela Day a public holiday so that we are able to celebrate and give back to the less fortunate without thinking about going to work,” he said.

He added that the day Nelson Mandela died should also be a public holiday.

Lethabo Mashaba said there were enough holidays in the country and this was why people should celebrate each holiday the way they should be celebrated.

Dimpho Sono said Mandela Day should be announced as a public holiday so that citizens could fully celebrate this day.

“Nelson Mandela fought for our freedom and we should remember him for the good work he did by celebrating his life, and try to do the same,” she said.

Pheladi Sebothoma said the month of April and December were full of public holidays so as far as she was concerned, there were more than enough holidays. People should forget about holidays.

Shane Chris Swart said there were too many school holidays.

“I think we should cut down school holidays so that children can learn as much as possible for them to have a brighter future. This will also minimise crime and teenage pregnancies, since most of these activities take place during school holidays,” Swart said.

He added that workers needed more time to rest than learners.

Christine Swart, a gr. 6 learner said children needed more public holidays to have some time off. “It is every child’s dream to sit at home and do nothing. The more holidays the better,” she said.