SIX things to know about the 2024 LEAP year in South Africa

SIX things to know about the 2024 LEAP year in South AfricaThat's right, Mzansi. You probably forgot about the 2024 leap year in South Africa, but we didn't. And here are six little-known facts.

by Ray Leathern

08-01-2024 11:01

in Business

Some little-known facts about 2024 leap year in South Africa. Picture: File/Fotor.

Happy New Year, Mzansi, if this is your first day back at work, welcome to a 2024 leap year in South Africa. In its simplest explanation, a leap year occurs every four years and means there's an extra day in the calendar, says NBC.

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While we count 365 days in a year, it actually takes a bit longer for Earth to orbit the Sun. That's 365.25 days, or an additional 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds to be exact. And that's why we need to round-up those extra quarter days every fourth year, hence the 2024 leap year in South Africa.

2024 LEAP YEAR IN SOUTH AFRICA Image: Pixabay To account for the rounded-off days, every fourth year requires a leap day be added to the calendar. That's why we have 29 days in February this year. Thursday 29 February 2024 is referred to as leap day'.

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A deviation of 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds each year, according to the Gregorian calendar, is actually very contentious. Some say a Tropical Year' in the Julien calendar is closer to six hours out, and by using this less complicated calculation, leap years would be easier to determine.

CALENDAR OF 1996 2024 leap year in South Africa. Picture: GettyImages. Interestingly to some, 2024's calendar is an exact mirror of 1996. Both years began on a Monday. And just like 1996, both are leap years, ensuring the calendars match-up exactly. So, if you happen to have a calendar from 1996 lying around, congrats, you can reuse it. Also, you'll see a lot of 1996 throwbacks throughout the year, and that's the reason why.

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What about babies born on leap day'? Otherwise known as leaplings', some cultures see the birthday as a sign of good luck, and others as a bad omen. Children typically choose to celebrate their birthdays either on February 28 or March 1 during common years. Let's hope 2024 is good-luck year in light of our upcoming National Elections.

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How do you feel about the 2024 leap year in South Africa? Do you think it's superstitious? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don't forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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