Zuko Komisa
- Proposed labour Bills aim to modernise work hours, parental leave, and severance pay.
- Minister Nomakhosazana Meth seeks to enhance job security and workplace fairness nationwide.
- The Bills are currently open for public comment to shape the final legislation.
The traditional South African “nine-to-five” is standing on the edge of a significant transformation.
Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has unveiled a series of ambitious new labour Bills that promise to rewrite the rules of engagement for millions of employees.
From the flexibility of our working hours to the support provided during the arrival of a new family member, these changes aim to bring a modern pulse to the country’s professional landscape.
Key proposed labour law changes
- Parental Leave: A single, gender-neutral four-month leave period that parents can share, or a single parent can take in full.
- On-Call Protections: Employers must provide written notice for shifts; if a shift is cancelled without agreed notice, the worker must still be paid.
- Severance Pay: The mandatory minimum increases from one week to two weeks’ pay for every year of service.
- High-Earners: Employees earning over R1.8 million lose the right to reinstatement for unfair dismissal, limited instead to a financial payout.
- Gig Economy: Platform workers and freelancers will be formally defined as “employees,” granting them basic legal protections and rights.
Drive 959 spoke to Tertius Wessels who is an Advocate & Managing Director at Strata-g Labour Solutions.
He spoke about how these proposals aren’t just about administrative adjustments; they represent a fundamental shift in how we balance our professional responsibilities with our personal lives.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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