When does an employee need to provide a Medical Certificate in South Africa?

In South Africa, employees are required to provide a Medical Certficicate / Sick Note in the following situations:

  1. After more than two consecutive days of sick leave: According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), if an employee is absent for more than two consecutive days, they must submit a valid medical certificate (sick note).

  2. More than one day within an 8-week period: If an employee is absent for one day on more than one occasion during an 8-week period, a sick note is required to justify any further absences.


What should be included in a valid sick note?

For a sick note to be considered valid under South African law, it must include the following details:

  1. Issued by a registered practitioner: The medical certificate must come from a registered doctor, dentist, or healthcare professional recognized under South African law.

  2. Practitioner’s details: It must clearly state the medical practitioner's name, address, and qualifications.

  3. Confirmation of incapacity: The note must confirm that the employee was “unable to work” due to illness or injury. Vague statements like "feeling unwell" are not sufficient.

  4. Dates of absence: The sick note should clearly specify the dates during which the employee was unfit for work.

  5. Signature or official stamp: Even with modern verification tools such as QR codes, the sick note must include the signature or official stamp of the healthcare professional to be valid in South Africa.


When can an employer refuse to accept a sick note?

An employer may reject a sick note if it does not meet these criteria. Additionally, if the authenticity of the medical certificate is in question, the employer has the right to request verification from the issuing practitioner.


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