Labour Law in South Africa
South African labour law regulates the relationship between employers, employees and trade unions in the Republic of South Africa.
South Africa, a country with over 50 million people, has the largest economy in Africa. Among its major sources of business are tourism, agriculture and mineral resources. Many U. S. and multi-national companies have locations in South Africa. This article will provide some basic information about employment law in South Africa for companies who already employ workers in South Africa or who are considering hiring employees in that country.
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (“the Act”) is South Africa’s current employment law governing an employer’s duties and obligations to most workers in the country. This law applies to all employees and employers except members of the National Defense Force, National Intelligence Agency, South African Secret Service and unpaid volunteers working for an organization with a charitable purpose. The basic conditions of employment as set forth in the Act form part of the contract of employment with each covered employee. However, some of the employment conditions enumerated in the Act may be revised by individual or collective agreement.
Click here to download the Basic Conditions of Employment Act => Basic Conditions of employment act.pdf