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Father's Day in South Africa
Father's Day is observed on the third Sunday of June in South Africa, honoring fathers and father figures.
History
Father's Day traces back to Sonora Smart Dodd, who proposed a day honoring fathers in Spokane, Washington in 1909-1910, inspired by the newly established Mother's Day. It spread gradually and unevenly as a local and regional observance for decades before President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation in 1966; it became a permanent national observance in 1972 when President Nixon signed it into law.
How it's celebrated
It's marked with cards, gifts, and family gatherings. It is not a public holiday in South Africa — workplaces, schools, and banks operate as usual.
See the full list of public holidays in South Africa for 2027, browse an interactive calendar, or check holidays for any country with the holidays tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is Father's Day a public holiday in South Africa?
No — it is an observance, not a public holiday. Banks, schools, and most workplaces operate as usual.
What date is Father's Day in South Africa?
The third Sunday of June, the same date observed in the US, Canada, and the UK.