Understanding Sick Certificates and Sick Leave in South African Labour Law
Understanding Sick Certificates and Sick Leave in South African Labour Law Navigating sick leave and the requirements for sick certificates can be tricky for both employees and employers in South Africa. What’s acceptable, what’s not, and how does it impact your leave? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand your rights and obligations under South African labour law. 1. What Is a Sick Certificate? A sick certificate , also known as a medical certificate , is a document issued by a registered medical practitioner to verify that an employee was ill and unable to work. In South Africa, sick certificates play a crucial role in validating sick leave and preventing misuse of leave benefits. For a sick certificate to be valid: It must be issued by a registered doctor (this includes general practitioners, specialists, dentists, or other healthcare professionals like chiropractors). It should clearly state the period of absence and the nature of the illness , although the detai...