What is the process to take Maternity Leave in South Africa?

Maternity leave in South Africa is governed by specific regulations to protect the rights of employees during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Employees are entitled to 4 months of unpaid maternity leave.
This leave can be taken as a continuous period, and it is generally expected that maternity leave will begin one month before the expected birth date.

Employees must provide their employer with one month’s notice before starting maternity leave. Simply send an email to [email protected] as soon as possible.
The notice should include the expected start date of the leave and must be accompanied by a medical certificate.

A medical certificate from a practitioner or midwife confirming the pregnancy and the expected birth date must be provided along with the leave application. This ensures that the employer is aware of the employee’s condition and expected leave period.

Maternity leave in South Africa is unpaid.
Employees are encouraged to claim maternity benefits through the Department of Labour (UIF) to receive financial support during this period.

Employers are required to assist employees in accessing their UIF maternity benefits. This support includes helping employees with the necessary documentation and submission process.

Annual leave continues to accrue during unpaid maternity leave, meaning that employees do not lose their entitled leave days while on maternity leave.

To claim maternity benefits, the following forms must be completed and submitted:

UI-2.8: Application for maternity benefits (to be completed by the employee). This form is available from the Department of Labour or local labor centers.
UI-19: Employer's declaration (to be completed by the employer). This form is crucial for the processing of the employee’s UIF benefits.
UI-2.7: Application for adoption benefits (if applicable). This form is similar to UI-2.8 but is used when applying for benefits related to adoption.
UI-2.3: Application for continuation of maternity benefits (if applicable, for extended medical leave). This form is used if the employee requires extended leave due to medical reasons after the initial maternity leave period.

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