2025 Holidays - Botswana

Botswana Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- Monday Replacement: Under Botswana’s Public Holidays Act, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed as a public holiday.

- No exception for specific holidays: There is no standard exception (similar to New Year’s Day in some countries). All Sunday-falling holidays move to Monday.

- Employer policies: Most employers follow this law, granting Monday off. However, if employees must work on that Monday, they are entitled to compensation or time off in lieu as per employment contracts.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- No automatic replacement: If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, there is usually no replacement day off.

- Employer discretion: Some employers may offer an off-in-lieu day, but this is not mandated by law and depends on company policy.

- Overtime rules: Employees required to work on a Saturday public holiday are entitled to overtime pay or a day off in lieu, as per Botswana’s labor regulations.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- No official bridging system: Botswana does not officially grant a day off to ‘bridge’ a gap between a holiday and a weekend (e.g., if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday).

- Employer flexibility: Some private companies or government offices may choose to grant an additional day off to create a long weekend, but this is not a legal requirement.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Easter Period: Botswana observes both Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays. If Easter Monday coincides with another holiday, the holiday still remains on Monday, and no further shift occurs.

- President’s Day: President’s Day and the following day (Tuesday) are public holidays. If Monday or Tuesday falls on a weekend, the Monday holiday is still observed, but there is no further shift.

- Other religious/cultural holidays: Botswana’s schedule includes Christian holidays (e.g., Ascension Day) and national events (e.g., Independence Day). If such a holiday lands on a Sunday, it shifts to Monday in line with the general rule.

5. Additional Notes

- Public Holidays Act: The official list of public holidays is governed by Botswana’s Public Holidays Act, which may be updated from time to time.

- Advance announcements: Public holidays are usually announced well in advance, and dates like Easter are determined by religious calendars.

- Compensation for holiday work: Employees who work on public holidays must receive additional pay or time off in lieu, subject to the terms of their employment contracts.

- Employer-based decisions: Beyond the statutory rules, any additional days off (such as bridging days) depend on individual employer policies.