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    Leave & BCEA

    Maternity leave

    4 consecutive months of maternity leave, with UIF benefits payable during the leave.

    Full definition

    Maternity leave (BCEA Section 25) is 4 consecutive months, starting no earlier than 4 weeks before the expected date of birth. The BCEA does not compel employers to pay salary during maternity leave, but employees can claim UIF maternity benefits (66% of earnings, capped) for the period.

    See also

    Parental leave
    10 consecutive days of parental leave for a parent who is not the birth-mother.
    BCEA
    The Basic Conditions of Employment Act sets the minimum working hours, leave and pay conditions for South African employees.
    UIF
    The Unemployment Insurance Fund is a 1% employee + 1% employer contribution capped at R17,712 monthly earnings.

    Automate Maternity leave in your payroll

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

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    Let payroll handle Maternity leave 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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