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    Payroll Africa
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    Leave & BCEA

    Overtime

    Time worked over 45 hours per week, paid at 1.5x normal rate (2x for Sundays and public holidays).

    Full definition

    Overtime (BCEA Section 10) is time worked in excess of ordinary hours (45 per week / 9 per day on a 5-day week). It is voluntary, capped at 10 hours per week, and paid at 1.5x the normal wage — or 2x when worked on a Sunday or public holiday. Employees earning above the BCEA earnings threshold are excluded.

    See also

    BCEA
    The Basic Conditions of Employment Act sets the minimum working hours, leave and pay conditions for South African employees.
    Public holidays
    12 gazetted South African public holidays where employees receive normal pay if they don't work, or double pay if they do.

    Automate Overtime in your payroll

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

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    Browse the full South African payroll glossary — 55 terms explained.

    Let payroll handle Overtime 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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