IOL reports that the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting him to declare 27 December a public holiday this year.

The request is because Christmas Day, which is celebrated on 25 December, falls on a Sunday this year. In terms of the Public Holidays Act, “whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be a public holiday.” But, the Day of Reconciliation on Monday, 26 December is a public holiday in any case. The outcome will be that workers will enjoy one day less of their allotted 12 paid public holidays annually. In a statement on Friday, the Fedusa leadership said the federation remained “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 12 paid public holidays.” It went on to add that such a gesture “will go a long way in strengthening workers morale considering their difficulties faced, while boosting economic activity during the festive season.” In December 2016, when a similar situation presented itself, former president Jacob Zuma did declare 27 December a public holiday.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sihle Mlambo at IOL

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