Domestic Worker Leave in South Africa: Annual, Sick, Family and Maternity Leave

• At least three weeks' paid annual leave for every 12 months of employment, or by agreement one day for every 17 days worked, or one hour for every 17 hours worked.
• If a public holiday falls during annual leave on a day the worker would normally work, they get an extra paid day.
• Leave must be granted within six months of the end of the leave cycle, and it can't be taken during a notice period.

• Sick leave runs in a 36-month cycle. In each cycle the worker gets paid sick leave equal to the number of days they would normally work in six weeks (for example 30 days for someone working 5 days a week).
• In the first six months, it's one day for every 26 days worked.
• You may ask for a medical certificate if the worker is off for more than two consecutive days, or on more than two occasions in eight weeks. If a live-in worker can't reasonably get one, you must help them get it before withholding pay.

• Applies to workers employed for longer than four months who work at least four days a week.
• Five days' paid leave a year, on request, when the worker's child is born or sick, or when a close family member dies (spouse or partner, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild or sibling).
• You may ask for reasonable proof. Unused days lapse at the end of the year.

• At least four consecutive months' maternity leave, which can start up to four weeks before the expected birth date.
• The worker may not work for six weeks after the birth unless a doctor or midwife certifies that she is fit to do so, and she should give written notice of her leave dates at least four weeks ahead where practicable.
• A note to SD7 says domestic workers are entitled to claim maternity benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Act, which is one more reason to register your worker for UIF (How do I register my domestic worker with the UIF? (gov.za)). The same note says dismissal because of pregnancy is automatically unfair under the Labour Relations Act. We can't say whether a particular UIF claim will be approved.

Since 2020 the Basic Conditions of Employment Act also provides for parental, adoption and commissioning parental leave (sections 25A to 25C). This leave is not paid by the employer; a qualifying worker may claim benefits from the UIF. The rules have been the subject of court challenges, so check the current position on Basic Conditions of Employment Act (gov.za) before relying on specific day counts.

If a public holiday falls on a normal working day, the worker is paid for it. Work on a public holiday is only by agreement, at at least double the daily wage. Dates are on Public holidays in South Africa (gov.za).

SD7 clause 9 requires the written particulars to state the leave the worker is entitled to. A simple leave record (dates taken and balance) avoids arguments later.

HouseholdSure SA is an online membership that helps households employ a domestic worker properly. Members get guided UIF capture with status tracking, employment contract templates their worker can view and sign, a secure document vault, basic legal support (general guidance and checklists, not legal advice; escalated matters are quoted separately by a partner) and WhatsApp updates. We help with the admin, but we can't guarantee the outcome of any registration, claim or dispute. The contract template includes leave terms, and the signed copy stays in your vault.

Plans for household employers (prices include VAT where applicable):

Cancel any time, with no penalty or early-termination fee: from My Membership in your account, or by emailing cancellations@householdsuresa.co.za. Your membership stays active until the end of the current billing period, and partial months aren't refunded unless the law requires it (Refund & Cancellation Policy, sections 3–4; Terms, section 12.1). Full details: householdsuresa.co.za/pricing

Ready to get it in order? Sign up as an employer or compare plans. Questions? WhatsApp +27 64 511 0503 or call 087 265 0015 (Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00).

• Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (gov.za)
• SD7 Government Gazette text, PDF (gov.za)
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (gov.za)
• How do I register my domestic worker with the UIF? (gov.za)
• Public holidays in South Africa (gov.za)

General information, not legal advice. Laws and amounts change; check the official sources linked above. Last checked: 15 Oct 2026.

HHSSA Team · HOUSEHOLDSURE SA (PTY) LTD · Reg. 2026/656725/07 · Information Officer, HouseholdSure SA · info@householdsuresa.co.za · Privacy