South Africa has the worst maternity leave in the world

The first few months of childbirth are critical for both mothers and babies, and South African employees are entitled to at least four consecutive months of maternity leave.

That said, unlike many other countries, this leave is unpaid, making South Africa one of only four countries that offer work without guaranteed paid maternity leave.

This was highlighted in the Global Maternity Leave Report for 2025 by UK-based Moorepay, which outlines the leave benefits on governmental pages in every country. 

Its ranking shows the real value of maternity leave in countries worldwide for a mother earning the national average income.

The figures are quoted in international dollars to account for the cost of living in each country, with a purchasing power parity conversion used for each country. 

South Africa, the United States, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea offer no guaranteed maternity pay. 

While South African mothers can claim from the Unemployment Insurance Fund, employers have no legal obligation to pay maternity leave to their employees.

Norway’s maximum statutory pay offering was the highest in the world, equating to  $73,955 in International Dollars. 

Romania was in a distant second, offering $49,777 in international dollars for mothers on maternity leave. 

That said, Romania offers the longest maternity leave by a large margin, with mothers in Romania able to claim pay at 85% of their average income over the prior six months. 

The first 63 days of postnatal leave are mandatory to promote the health of the mother and child, with maternity leave allowed to continue for up to two years. 

In Africa, Egypt offers the most generous pay. The average maternity pay for an Egyptian recipient was $10,161 in international dollars.

Of the countries that do offer paid maternity leave, Eswatini provides the least. 

Although a mother with a year’s service can claim up to six weeks of postnatal leave, only two come with pay.

Changes for maternity leave on the cards

While South African mothers are not guaranteed maternity pay in South Africa, there are still significant changes on the cards for parental leave in South Africa. 

Currently, South African law grants biological mothers four months of paid maternity leave, while fathers receive only ten days of paternity leave.

However, in October 2023, the Gauteng High Court ruled in Van Wyk & Others v The Minister of Employment and Labour, which essentially abolished maternity leave in South Africa. 

The applicants argued that it was unfair that mothers were entitled to four months of leave, while a father was only entitled to 10 days. 

It was argued that this perpetuated outdated gender norms, as the father would need to return to work, while the mother cared for the child. This failed to keep in mind mothers who were the primary breadwinners. 

The court agreed with the applicants and ruled that certain conditions of the Basic Conditions of Employment were unconstitutional.

The ruling is an interim measure, in place for 24 months to allow lawmakers to amend the country’s laws.

Notably, the ruling meant that if there is a pair of parents, the entitlement of four months of parental leave will apply to both parents. 

The parents can then choose how they will share the parental leave option, allowing both to benefit from the leave options in terms of their career or personal aspirations.

However, as per constitutional law, this declaration of invalidity has no force and effect unless and until the Constitutional Court confirms it. 

Although the  Constitutional Court heard the confirmation application in November 2024, no ruling has been made yet.

Issued on BusinessTech by Luke Fraser | https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/837114/south-africa-has-the-worst-maternity-leave-in-the-world/