Miscellaneous information

Labor laws and labor rights in South Africa

Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), employees can work up to 45 hours every week (no more than 12 hours a day) and can choose to work a further 10 hours a week in overtime.

Annual leave entitlement is 21 days per year for full-time employment, plus public holidays. Trade unions are important in South Africa and about a quarter of the working population belong to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Union members have higher average salaries than non-members.

There is no legal requirement for employment contracts in South Africa, however many companies use them. You will find them issued as standard in most large companies.

Notice periods for termination of employment according to the BCEA are as follows:

• One week if the employee has been working for 6 months or less;
• Two weeks if the employee has been working 6-12 months;
• Four weeks if the employee has been working more than a year (or more than 6 months if a farm worker or domestic worker)

Common job interview questions in South Africa

Most interviews follow a similar structure across the board, with employers asking open questions that allow them to assess your skills and suitability for the position. In South Africa, employers put great emphasis on post-education qualifications and work experience, so the questions are likely to be focused on these areas, but can also include:

• Why are you applying to work in South Africa?
• What do you like/know about the job?
• What do you know about the company?
• Which are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your career goals/objectives for the future?
• What makes you a good candidate for the job?
• Can you name a time where you demonstrated initiative/problem solving skills/leadership?
• What did you dislike about your previous role? Did you ever have any conflicts with management or colleagues? – This isn’t to dredge up negative aspects, but more to show how you overcame challenges in a working environment, so keep it positive and relevant.