FEDUSA Urges President Ramaphosa to Grant Workers an Additional Public Holiday

12 October 2022

The Leadership of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting for an additional paid Public Holiday in December 2022.

The leadership was alerted to the fact that during 2022, working South Africans will only enjoy 11 out of the 12 paid public holidays. The matter was raised that Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, and in terms of the Public Holidays Act, “whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be a public holiday.” Consequently, Monday 26 December 2022, the Day of Goodwill, will then be deemed to fall outside of the ambit of the Public Holidays Act.

FEDUSA remains resolute that working South Africans should not be dealt with a further injustice to their income security, already eroded during COVID – 19, and must therefore be able to enjoy their full twelve paid public holidays. The Federation believes that this gesture will go a long way in strengthening workers morale considering their difficulties faced, whilst boosting economic activity during the festive season. FEDUSA believes that President Ramaphosa should seriously consider proclaiming 27 December 2022 as paid Public Holiday.

Ends.

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For interviews please contact:

Ms Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA General Secretary

076 696 2626

Mr Ashley Benjamin

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

083 258 4433