💨 Abstract

South Africa ranks last globally for maternity pay, offering no guaranteed paid maternity leave, according to the Global Maternity Leave Report 2025. While mothers are entitled to four months of unpaid leave, this places significant financial strain on families. A 2023 court ruling suggested shared parental leave, but it awaits Constitutional Court confirmation. Legal experts hope for reform, as current policies are among the least supportive worldwide for new mothers.

Courtesy: Garrin Lambley