Ascension Day is a Christian religious event observed 40 days after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the belief that Jesus Christ rose into heaven after being resurrected.
Why is Ascension Day a school holiday in South Africa?
This moment marks the end of Jesus’ time on Earth and the beginning of his spiritual presence in heaven.
In South Africa, many public schools recognise Ascension Day as a holiday, even though it is not listed as a public holiday on the national calendar. This is mainly because of the strong Christian influence on the country’s education system and cultural traditions.
Many schools, particularly those with Christian values, choose to observe the day by closing.
The South African Schools Act allows for school calendars to include certain religious days as non-instructional days, depending on the decision of governing bodies.
As a result, while not all schools close on Ascension Day, many do, especially in communities with strong Christian traditions.
What other religious days are school holidays in South Africa?
South Africa’s Constitution promotes freedom of religion, and while the national school calendar follows a secular structure, it also reflects the country’s Christian majority.
As a result, Christian holidays like Good Friday and Christmas Day are official public holidays and automatically days off for schools.
Some schools may also observe additional religious holidays like Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, or All Saints’ Day, but this depends on the school’s religious affiliation and governing policies.
Muslim and Jewish communities also have private schools that may close on religious days like Eid or Yom Kippur.
However, these are not national holidays, so public schools generally remain open unless the specific school chooses to observe them.
Five ways to celebrate Ascension Day
For those observing Ascension Day, here are five simple ways to honour the occasion:
- Attend a church service – Many churches hold special services focusing on the ascension of Jesus and its meaning for Christians today.
- Read scriptures or devotional texts – Families and individuals can reflect on Bible passages such as Acts 1:9-11, which describes Jesus’ ascension.
- Participate in community events – In some areas, churches or religious organisations host gatherings, prayer meetings, or youth activities.
- Spend time in reflection or prayer – People may use the day for quiet spiritual reflection, meditation, or family prayers.
- Teach children about the meaning of the day – Parents and guardians can use storytelling or simple explanations to help young ones understand the significance of Ascension Day.
While it may seem like just another day off from school, Ascension Day holds deep spiritual meaning for many South Africans.
