What should I know about hiring in South Africa?
If you are unfamiliar with the labor laws and standards in South Africa, hiring can be challenging and time-consuming. Consequently, it is essential to comprehend the foundations of work in South Africa. Employment equity law goals in South Africa include a diverse workforce and eradicating unfair discrimination.
Employers must abide by these rules, including fostering specific communities’ representation. South Africa’s comprehensive labor legislative system covers minimum pay, working hours, and leave privileges. In order to ensure compliance and prevent any legal complications, familiarising yourself with these laws is essential.
Additionally, it is imperative to establish employment agreements in writing that adhere to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. These agreements should specify crucial details, including the job description, working hours, and compensation.
Why is South Africa a good choice for finding remote employees?
South Africa is an excellent place to find and hire remote workers. These individuals have the potential to contribute to cross-country endeavors significantly. Firstly, South Africa is home to many experts in several fields, including information technology, customer service, design, and more.
Second, South Africa’s heterogeneous society encourages flexibility and intercultural comprehension, facilitating easy teamwork with multinational groups.
Third, South African experts have excellent communication skills, and the fact that English is widely spoken there makes it convenient for them to connect with foreign clients remotely. Last but not least, the nation is home to illustrious educational institutions that churn out graduates equipped to operate remotely.
How can Native Teams help you hire in South Africa
If you’re having trouble finding qualified candidates because of language barriers, cultural norms, or government constraints, Native Teams can help. Our Employer of Record services allows you to enhance your compensation and benefits packages to make them more market-competitive and attractive to top talent.
Hire your first South African employee with Native Teams.
Legal requirements for hiring in South Africa
Minimum wage
In South Africa, the minimum wage is ZAR 25 per hour.
Contributions & taxes
Employer tax
Total employment cost is 2.00%.
Corporate tax
South Africa has a flat 27% corporate tax rate for all businesses.
Employee tax
The total employee cost is 1.00%.
Income tax
- 1 to 226 000: 18% of taxable income;
- 226,001 to 353,100: 40,680 + 26% of taxable income above 226,000;
- 353,101 to 488 700: 73,726 + 31% of taxable income above 353,100;
- 488,701 to 641,400: 115,762 + 36% of taxable income above 488,700;
- 641,401 to 817,600: 170,734 + 39% of taxable income above 641,400;
- 817,601 to 1,731,600: 239,452 + 41% of taxable income above 817,600;
- 1,731,601 and above: 614,192 + 45% of taxable income above 1,731,600.
To calculate the salary and taxes in South Africa please click here.
Payroll cycle
Typically, the employment contract outlines the payroll cycle and is subject to mutual agreement between the employee and the employer. Payroll processing frequency options include monthly, weekly, and biweekly.
Is there a 13th salary in South Africa?
A 13th-month paycheck is usually paid in December in South Africa.
Labor rules
Probation period rules
The terms of their employment contract often determine the length of an employee’s trial period; however, in South Africa, 3 months is the norm.
Notice period
In South Africa, a permanent worker’s notice period is calculated as follows:
- 1 week’s notice: 0 to 6 months of service;
- 2 weeks’ notice: 6 months to 1 year of service;
- 4 weeks’ notice: 1 year to 4 years of service.
Severance pay
In South Africa, severance pay is outlined in the employee’s employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. Employees are entitled to one week of severance pay for every year worked, provided that the termination of employment is not the result of poor performance or misconduct on the part of the employee.
Working hours
In South Africa, the weekly maximum for typical labor is 45 hours. This equates to 9 hours per day for a 5-day workweek and 8 hours per day for more than 5 days per week.
Leave and benefits
Public holidays
There are 12 official national holidays in South Africa:
- New Year’s Day
- Human Rights Day
- Good Friday
- Family Day
- Freedom Day
- International Workers’ Day
- Youth Day
- National Women’s Day
- Heritage Day
- Day of Reconciliation
- Christmas Day
- Day of Goodwill
Sick leave
Sick leave in South Africa is accrued on a three-year cycle and is paid at 100% of the employee’s regular pay rate. In addition, an employee is eligible for one compensated sick day for every 26 days worked during the first six months.
Beginning on the first day of the seventh month, the worker will receive:
- 5-day work week: 30 days;
- 6–day work week: 36 days;
- Working Monday through Friday and once every two weeks on Saturday: 33 days;
- Employees who work less than 24 hours per month are not eligible for paid sick leave.
Maternity leave & paternity leave
A pregnant employee is entitled to four months of unpaid maternity leave under South African labour legislation. The employee can take a vacation at any time starting four weeks before the due date, but they can’t return to work until 6 weeks have passed since the delivery date.
In addition, there is no statutory paternity leave in South Africa.
Other leave
Bereavement leave
Employees are entitled to up to 3 days of paid leave if their spouse, life partner, parent, adoptive parent, grandparent, kid, adopted child, grandchild, or sibling passes away.
Family care
When an employee’s child is sick, the employee can take up to three days of paid absence. Workers employed for more than four months and put in at least four days a week are eligible for paid time off.
What are the minimum vacation days?
Employees are entitled to a leave time of at least 21 consecutive days for each completed year of employment (or 1 day for every 17 days worked, or 1 hour for every 17 hours worked).
Insurance
Health security & private insurance
Anyone who has worked for an employer for at least three months within the previous fifteen months is entitled to free medical and dental care through the Social Security Administration.
*Native Teams can support you in finding the best private insurance in the country. Contact us and we will send a comparison of insurance packages and prices.*
Visa
Relocation and work permits
Native Teams will apply for your work visa in the nation on your behalf and serve as your Employer of Record. All the required documents can be uploaded using our app. Until you have your work and residency visa, Native Teams will support you by providing you with frequent information on the progress.
How long is the visa/work permit process?
2 to 4 weeks depending on the authorities and provided documents.
Which documents do you need?
To apply for a visa/work permit in South Africa, upload the documents from our onboarding list (relocation to log in/pricing).
Why use Native Teams for hiring in South Africa?
Native Teams lets you employ team members ‘like a local’ meaning you get all the benefits of a global team, wherever you are based. Here are the reasons why you should use Native Teams for hiring:
- No paperwork: We will handle all the necessary paperwork for you.
- Save on taxes: We help you handle your taxes.
- No company set up: You can expand your business using our company entitles.
- Online onboarding: We’re here to ensure your onboarding process is trouble-free.
- No accounting: We will handle all of your accounting needs, including invoicing, payroll, and more.
- Increase your profit: We assist you in growing your business and maximizing your profits.
- Compliance expertise: we can assist your company in navigating the regulatory environments and ensure you meet all relevant requirements.
- Local support: We can assist you in understanding and complying with the relevant local laws.