How Many Weeks Is Maternity Leave In South Africa

What is Maternity Leave?

Maternity leave is a type of leave that mothers or birthing parents typically take shortly before and after giving birth.

How Many Weeks Is Maternity Leave In South Africa?

Benefits are paid for a maximum duration of 17.32 weeks (121 days). (1) An employee is entitled to at least four consecutive months of maternity leave. (b) on a date from which a medical practitioner or a midwife certifies that it is necessary for the employee’s health or that of her unborn child.

What is the minimum maternity leave in South Africa?

The employee is entitled to 4 months of unpaid maternity leave. Maternity leave should commence one month before the expected date of birth of the child, and the employee is obliged to give the employer one month’s notice of the commencement of maternity leave.

Can I get a job while pregnant in South Africa?

According to Section 9(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, pregnancy is covered as one of the many grounds of non-discrimination.

When can you start maternity leave?

You can start your maternity leave any day from 11 weeks before your due date.

What are the three types of maternity leave?


Maternity leave can be made up of three types of time off: Compulsory maternity leave (CML) — the two weeks following the birth. As the name suggests, all new mothers must take this period of leave. Ordinary maternity leave (OML) — the first 26 weeks of maternity leave.