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    Leave & BCEA

    Leave cycle

    The 12-month period over which BCEA annual leave accrues — usually from date of employment.

    Full definition

    A leave cycle is the 12-month period during which BCEA annual leave accrues. It usually starts on the employee's date of employment, though many employers align it with the company's financial year. Unused leave must generally be taken within 6 months of the end of the cycle.

    See also

    Annual leave
    BCEA gives every employee 21 consecutive days (15 working days on a 5-day week) of paid annual leave per year.
    BCEA
    The Basic Conditions of Employment Act sets the minimum working hours, leave and pay conditions for South African employees.

    Automate Leave cycle in your payroll

    Payroll Africa handles Leave cycle calculations automatically for South African employers — SARS-aligned for 2026/27. From R90/month.

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    Let payroll handle Leave cycle for you

    Payroll Africa calculates it automatically every month for South African employers — SARS-aligned, with payslips, EMP201 and IRP5 included.

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