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

Parental leave, also referred to as paternity leave, is designed to allow employees time off to care for a newborn or a newly adopted child. Below is an overview of the key aspects of parental leave in South Africa.


Entitlement to Parental Leave:

  • Employees are entitled to 10 consecutive days of parental leave.
  • This leave can be taken on the first occurring date of:
    • The child’s birth.
    • The granting of an adoption order.
    • The placement of a child in the care of a prospective adoptive parent by a competent court.


Notice Requirements:

  • Parental Leave Notice: Employees must submit at least one calendar month’s written notice to their employer, indicating the start and end dates of their parental leave. Simply send an email to [email protected] as soon as possible.
  • Exceptional Circumstances: If an employee is unable to provide notice due to unforeseen circumstances, such as premature birth or being abroad without means of communication, they must notify their employer as soon as reasonably possible.


Forms Required for Parental Leave:

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

  • UI-2.8: Application for parental benefits. This form is completed by the employee and includes personal details, employment information, and banking details. It is available from the Department of Labour’s website or local labour centers.
  • UI-19: Employer’s declaration of employee details. This form is completed by the employer to confirm the employee's eligibility for benefits. It can be issued for signature through platforms like PandaDoc.
  • 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.


Pay During Parental Leave:

  • Parental leave in South Africa is generally unpaid.
  • Employees should apply for parental benefits through the Department of Labour to receive financial support during this period.


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