In South Africa, domestic workers are entitled to certain leave according to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. This legislation outlines the different types of leave that domestic workers are entitled to, including annual leave, sick leave and family responsibility leave, and specifies how they should be applied.

Annual leave is an important benefit for domestic workers, as it allows them to take a break from work and spend time with their families or pursuing their own interests. For full-time domestic workers, annual leave is calculated at 1 day of leave for every 17 days worked, or 15 working days per year. Part-time domestic workers are entitled to annual leave on a pro-rata basis of 1 hour leave for every 17 hours worked, depending on the number of hours worked each week.

Sick leave is also an important entitlement for domestic workers, as it allows them to take time off work when they are ill or injured. Domestic workers are entitled to 1 day of sick leave for every 26 days worked, meaning they can accrue up to 30 days of sick leave over a 3 year cycle. During this time, a domestic worker is entitled to be paid their regular salary or wage, as long as they have a valid medical certificate.

Family responsibility leave is another important entitlement for domestic workers in South Africa, as it allows them to take time off work to attend to family emergencies or responsibilities. This leave can be taken for a variety of reasons, including in the case of illness or death of a family member, or to attend to the birth of a child. Domestic workers are entitled to 3 days of family responsibility leave per year, which can be taken in one go or in separate periods of time.

It is important for both employers and domestic workers to be aware of the leave entitlements outlined in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, as this will ensure that workers are treated fairly and that their rights are protected. Employers should ensure that they provide their domestic workers with the correct amount of leave, and that they are paid their full salary or wages while on leave. Domestic workers should also ensure that they are aware of their entitlements and that they are able to take the leave they are entitled to when they need it. By working together and following the guidelines set out in the legislation, both employers and domestic workers can help to ensure a better, more equitable workplace for everyone.