Leave policy · 🇿🇦 South Africa
Statutory leave in South Africa — every employer's baseline.
Here's what the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997 requires as the legal minimum. Your company handbook can go further — AnooreHR configures to whatever policy you actually run.
Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997
Verified 2026-04-23Annual leave accrues at 1 day per 17 worked (or 21 consecutive days after 12 months).
| Type | Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual leave | 21 days | Consecutive days (15 working days) after 12 months service.§20 BCEA |
| Sick leave | 30 days | Per 36-month cycle; first 6 months capped at 1 day per 26 worked.§22 BCEA |
| Maternity leave | 4 months | Unpaid under BCEA; UIF covers up to 66% of salary for 17 weeks.§25 BCEA |
| Parental leave | 10 days | Calendar days, unpaid; UIF covers full rate.§25A BCEA (Labour Laws Amendment 2018) |
| Public holidays | 12 days | Gazetted annually by the Federal Government / Ministry of Interior. |
Not legal advice. These figures are the statutory minimum and may be superseded by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or a more generous employment contract. Always consult a licensed labour lawyer for binding advice.
Run your own policy — not the floor
AnooreHR tracks leave accrual, approval, and payout automatically.
Configure whatever policy your business actually runs. Handles proration, rollover, buyouts, and the South Africa public-holiday calendar out of the box.