Recent developments in South Africa
We understand the challenges of keeping up with regulatory changes. That’s why we actively monitor these changes, so you don’t have to. Read on to discover what’s been happening in the employment landscape in South Africa.
National Labour Migration Policy enacted (2025)
On 15 February 2025, the National Labour Migration Policy came into effect alongside the Employment Services Amendment Act of 2025. The policy introduces quotas for the employment of foreign nationals in specific sectors and mandates that employers prioritise local candidates unless they can justify the need for foreign expertise. Employers must now apply for a “foreign national employment certificate” before hiring non-South African citizens.
Four-day workweek pilot launched (2025)
In May 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour announced the start of a government-backed pilot programme for a four-day workweek across select sectors. While participation is voluntary, employers taking part are expected to maintain productivity levels and report on employee wellbeing and performance metrics. The outcome of this pilot will inform potential amendments to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Revised National Minimum Wage (2025)
Effective 1 March 2025, the National Minimum Wage was increased from ZAR 25.42 to ZAR 27.25 per hour, as per Government Gazette No. 50211. The adjustment applies to all workers, including farm and domestic workers, ensuring continued alignment with inflation and cost-of-living trends.
Expanded parental leave rights (2025)
Amendments to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, enacted in June 2025, now provide for 14 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of gender or biological relation to the child. This change replaces previous provisions for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, making the leave gender-neutral and fully paid through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
Mandatory remote work policy guidelines (2025)
In response to the sustained growth of remote work, the Department of Employment and Labour issued Directive No. 7/2025 in April 2025, requiring all employers with remote or hybrid staff to implement formal remote work policies. These must address working hours, cybersecurity, data protection, health and safety, and reimbursement for work-related expenses.
