Go to work on Friday, government says

The South African government has dismissed a letter circulating on social media claiming that President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a national shutdown on Friday, 2 May 2025, labelling the statement as fake.

The statement falsely claims to be an “official statement” from the Presidency, calling for a “March & Mass Movement for a National Shutdown”.

However, the government has confirmed that the document is not legitimate.

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Work continues as normal

While Thursday, 1 May, is an official public holiday to mark Workers’ Day, the government has not declared Friday a public holiday.

It urged citizens to continue with their normal work routines on Friday.

“There is NO national shutdown planned!!!! 2 May 2025 is a normal working day,” the government said.

The Department of Basic Education previously announced that schools would be closed on Friday, but this does not extend to other sectors of the economy.

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Extra school holiday

According to the Department of Education, three additional school holidays were added in line with the Public Holidays Act of 1994.

Special school holidays

• Tuesday, 29 April 2025
• Wednesday, 30 April 2025
• Friday, 2 May 2025

Freedom Day fell on a Sunday, 27 April and Monday, 28 April, was a public holiday in South Africa.

According to the 2025 public school calendar, Tuesday, 29 April and Wednesday, 30 April, are special school holidays.

April/May public holidays

• Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
• Family Day: Monday, 21 April 2025
• Freedom Day: Sunday, 27 April 2025
• Freedom Day observed: Monday, 28 April 2025
• Workers’ Day: Thursday, 1 May 2025

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