Complete South African Labour Law Platform

Maximum ordinary working hours:

• 45 hours per week
• 9 hours per day (5-day week)
• 8 hours per day (6-day week)
• Maximum 5 days per week unless agreed

Overtime rules:

• Maximum 10 hours per week
• Paid at 1.5 times normal wage
• Agreement required (except in emergencies)
• Can be substituted with paid time off

Meal intervals:

• 1 hour after 5 hours of work
• Can be reduced to 30 minutes by agreement
• Not counted as working time

Annual leave:

• 21 consecutive days per year
• 1 day for every 17 days worked
• Must be taken within 6 months of accrual
• Paid at normal wage rate

Sick leave:

• 30 days in 3-year cycle
• 1 day for every 26 days worked
• Medical certificate required after 2 days
• Pattern absences may be investigated

Maternity leave:

• 4 consecutive months unpaid
• Can claim UIF maternity benefits
• Must give 4 weeks notice
• Protection against dismissal

Family responsibility leave:

• 3 days per year
• For employee's child, spouse, parent
• For birth, illness, death

Minimum wage:

• National minimum wage applies
• Sectoral determinations may apply
• No deductions without consent

Payment requirements:

• Paid in South African currency
• Paid daily, weekly, or monthly
• Written pay slip required
• No payment in goods or services

Deductions:

• Statutory deductions (tax, UIF)
• With written consent
• Maximum 25% of remuneration
• No deductions for breakages/losses