Maternity leave in South Africa is essential for all pregnant working women.
It improves the maternal-infant physical health and well-being.
You should prepare your colleagues and employer when you are ready to take a maternity leave.
A pregnant woman writing in a notebook while sitting on a sofa. Photo: pexels.com, @SHVETS productionSource: UGC
If you go into labour early, your maternity leave will begin from that date.
You ca also seek advice from colleagues who have taken maternity leave before.
What is a maternity leave?
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Is is the time a mother stops working to have and take care of her newborn baby.
It also includes cases of adoption where the child is below two years old.
How long is maternity leave in South Africa?
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How soon should I apply for it?
This only works if the program is made within a period of 12 months after the date of childbirth.
A pregnant woman consulting a doctor. Photo: pexels.com, @MART PRODUCTIONSource: UGC
How much do you get paid during maternity leave?
Your employer is only obligated to pay you as per your employment agreement and company policy.
However, you are eligible for certain benefits.
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These benefits are paid under theUnemployment Insurance Act.
Is my job secure while I am away?
You cannot lose your job while on amaternity leave.
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Should your employer dismiss you during this period, thecourtcan rule it unfair dismissal for reasons related to pregnancy.
Such dismissals can be very expensive to employers since they have to award a huge compensation.
Is the father entitled to a similar leave from work?
A man feeding a baby on a sofa. Photo: pexels.com, @Tima MiroshnichenkoSource: UGC
Leave days calculator south Africa 2022 | Effectively calculate your leave days
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What if I am adopting?
The other parent is eligible for parental leave.
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Do you get paid when you go on maternity leave?
A full-time employed South African female contributing to the UIF is eligible forUIF maternity benefits.
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A lady helping a pregnant woman to exercise. Photo: pexels.com, @Pavel DanilyukSource: UGC
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How can I claim UIF maternity benefits?
There is no deductible tax from your UIF monthly payments during this period.
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Apply for UIF maternity benefits at the Department ofLabour website.
you’ve got the option to also get the UIF claim forms from the same website.
Fill them them out, and hand them over to the Labour Center to file a claim.
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Therefore, claim these benefits within that period.
When do I have to go back to work?
Legally, you are permitted to taketime off workfor six full weeks after giving birth.
A man touching a woman kissing a baby. Photo: pexels.com, @Anna ShvetsSource: UGC
you’re free to only resume earlier if the doctor approves.
You choose to resume work earlier or work part-time during this period.
How many months is maternity leave in South Africa?
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Female employee are legally entitled to annualunpaid maternity leaveof up to 4 months consecutively.
How many days is maternity leave in South Africa?
You should take up to 4 months consecutively off work as maternity leave.
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How does maternity leave work in South Africa?
An employee canstart a maternityleave any time from four weeks before the expected delivery birth, unless otherwise agreed.
Discuss with your HR department before starting on your maternity leave in South Africa.
On the other hand, if your pregnancy feels easy, you might work until your preferred date.
A work leave promotes physical and mental health in the workplace.
You should take it to improve the quality of your work-life.
You will get to recharge and return to work with a much clear head.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
you’re free to email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
