Wha t Is Wo r ke r ’s D ay ?

Worker’s Day is a public holiday in South Africa.

It celebrates the hard working South Africans who have helped our country
grow and prosper
 Wh en I s Wo rk er ’s D a y
Celebrated?

Worker’s Day is always celebrated on the first of May.

Most people get the day off work, giving them a chance to spend time relaxing
and a reminder of the important role that trade unions played in getting fair
working conditions for all South African workers.
 Whe n W a s Wor k e r ’s D a y
First Starter?

In the late 1800s, the workforce

continued to grow in South Africa, so
unions were formed to protect the
rights of workers.

The unions supported setting aside a day to celebrate the hard work of South
African citizens.

Worker’s Day used to be called Mayday.

 Whe n W a s Wor k e r ’s D a y
First Starter?

Mayday has been celebrated unofficially in South Africa since the 1980s but
was only officially recognized as public holiday, Worker’s Day, in 1994.

Worker’s Day or Mayday is celebrated across most of Africa.

 Ho w I s Wo r k er ’s D ay
Celebrated?

Worker’s Day is celebrated as a public holiday with many people celebrating

with a braai, just relaxing at home or other fun activities.

The President may make a speech reminding everyone of the importance of the
day and some groups may gather to listen to speeches by political party leaders.