South Africa ranks WORST in the world for maternity pay

South Africa ranks WORST in the world for maternity pay

South Africa has been ranked at the bottom of global maternity leave standards, offering no guaranteed paid maternity leave, according to the Global Maternity Leave Report 2025 released by UK-based firm Moorepay. The findings place South Africa alongside just three other countries – the United States, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea – that offer no guaranteed maternity pay, despite providing maternity leave by law. Unpaid Leave in a Critical Period …

SA ranks last for paid maternity leave

South Africa is one of only four countries worldwide that does not guarantee paid maternity leave, leaving new mothers without income during critical postpartum months, a report from BusinessTech confirmed. The Global Maternity Leave Report for 2025 by UK-based Moorepay highlights South Africa’s lack of paid maternity benefits. While employees are entitled to four months of unpaid leave, employers have no legal obligation to provide pay during t…