Types of Leave for Teachers in South Africa

In South Africa, teachers are entitled to various types of leave, which are outlined by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and agreements in the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC).

Types of Leave for Teachers

Below are the common types of leave that South African teachers can access:

1. Annual Leave

Public school teachers generally do not take annual leave in the traditional sense, as their time off aligns with school holidays. However, the Department of Basic Education ensures that teachers receive paid leave during these holidays. The exact number of days depends on the school calendar.

2. Sick Leave

Teachers are entitled to 36 working days of paid sick leave over a three-year cycle. If the teacher is sick for more than two consecutive days or on a day before or after a public holiday, they must provide a medical certificate from a doctor. If the 36 days are exhausted, teachers may need to apply for unpaid sick leave.

3. Maternity Leave

Female teachers are entitled to four consecutive months of maternity leave. Maternity leave can start anytime from four weeks before the expected birth date or earlier if medically required. It’s important to note that while maternity leave is unpaid, teachers may claim benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) during this period.

4. Parental Leave

As of 2020, teachers (regardless of gender) are entitled to 10 consecutive days of parental leave when their child is born. This is available to fathers or the adoptive parent who isn’t on maternity leave. Like maternity leave, parental leave is unpaid, but UIF benefits can be claimed.

5. Adoption Leave

If a teacher legally adopts a child under two years of age, they are entitled to 10 weeks of adoption leave. If both adoptive parents are teachers, one can take adoption leave, and the other can take 10 days of parental leave. Adoption leave, like maternity leave, is unpaid, but UIF benefits are available.

6. Family Responsibility Leave

Teachers are entitled to five days of family responsibility leave per year, which can be used in the following situations:

• The illness of a child.
• The death of a close family member (such as a spouse, life partner, parent, grandparent, child, or sibling).

This type of leave is paid and is only available to teachers who have worked for the same employer for more than four months and work at least four days a week.

7. Special Leave for Study or Examinations

Teachers who are furthering their studies may apply for special leave to write exams. While there is no universal policy on this, it is often granted on a case-by-case basis, especially if the studies are relevant to education.

8. Unpaid Leave

If a teacher has used up their annual or sick leave entitlements, they can apply for unpaid leave. This is subject to the approval of the employer, and the teacher’s salary will be reduced accordingly for the duration of the leave.

9. Special Leave for Professional Development

In some cases, teachers may be granted special leave to attend workshops, training, or conferences. This is usually paid leave and can be applied for if the event contributes to the teacher’s professional development.

10. Compassionate Leave

Although similar to family responsibility leave, compassionate leave is granted in exceptional cases, often at the discretion of the school or department. This might be for extended family illnesses or significant personal crises.