Because the Christmas holiday (which is a public holiday by default in South Africa) falls on a Sunday this year, SA labour law states that the public holiday should be shifted to the following day.
Here is the snag: the following day (Monday) is already a public holiday (known as the Day of Goodwill). So, everyone was curious as to what would happen. Would the following day be made into a public holiday or not?
Labour unions in particular were pushing for some more time off for workers (or double time for those who have to work).
The Presidency has announced that the 27th will be a public holiday this year.