Despite Workers’ Day falling on Thursday, 1 May 2025, the South African government has confirmed that Friday, 2 May, remains a normal working day. This clarification comes in response to a fake letter circulating on social media that falsely claimed President Cyril Ramaphosa had declared a national shutdown.
ALSO READ: Special Week Off for South African Pupils in April/May 2025
Fake National Shutdown Letter Debunked
The viral letter, which claimed to be an “official statement” from the Presidency, called for a “March & Mass Movement for a National Shutdown” on 2 May 2025. The document sparked confusion among South Africans, especially because it was shared widely in the days leading up to the long weekend.
However, government officials swiftly acted to shut down the rumour. They labelled the letter as fake, stating emphatically:
“There is NO national shutdown planned! 2 May 2025 is a normal working day.”
The Presidency and the Department of Government Communication (GCIS) both denied the authenticity of the statement and urged citizens to verify any announcements using official government channels.
Go to Work on Friday, 2 May 2025
1 May 2025 is Workers’ Day, which is a public holiday in South Africa, the government made it clear that this does not extend to Friday. Citizens are expected to attend work as usual on 2 May. All sectors of the economy-public and private-will continue with regular business operations.
This clarification is important, especially given the recent cluster of public holidays in April and May, which includes:
- Good Friday: 18 April 2025
- Family Day: 21 April 2025
- Freedom Day: Sunday, 27 April 2025
- Freedom Day Observed: Monday, 28 April 2025
- Workers’ Day: Thursday, 1 May 2025
These holidays have already resulted in several short work weeks. The government now wants to prevent additional disruption caused by misinformation.
Schools Will Remain Closed on 2 May-But Only Schools
Though the broader public will continue to work on 2 May, the Department of Basic Education confirmed that public schools will be closed on that day. This extra school holiday aligns with the Public Holidays Act of 1994, which allows for special closures based on the structure of the holiday calendar.
The special school holidays surrounding Workers’ Day are:
- Tuesday, 29 April 2025
- Wednesday, 30 April 2025
- Friday, 2 May 2025
These closures are intended to provide consistency for learners and staff between the Freedom Day and Workers’ Day holidays.
It’s important to note, however, that this does not apply to other sectors-offices, factories, retail stores, and other businesses are expected to operate normally on Friday.
Government Urges Citizens to Ignore Hoaxes
The government continues to warn the public against spreading misinformation, especially statements falsely attributed to the Presidency. Such fake news can cause unnecessary panic, confusion, and economic disruption.
If you’re unsure about any major government announcements, always consult trusted sources such as:
- The Presidency’s official website
- The Department of Basic Education
- Government social media accounts and news platforms
Final Word: No Extra Holiday on 2 May 2025
To summarise:
- Thursday, 1 May is Workers’ Day-a recognised public holiday.
- Friday, 2 May, is a normal working day across South Africa.
- Only public schools have been granted an additional holiday on 2 May.
- The viral letter claiming a national shutdown on 2 May is fake and not endorsed by the South African government.
Stay informed, verify your sources, and enjoy the official public holidays without falling for online hoaxes.
