Overtime Pay in South Africa: What the Law Says
Many workers in South Africa work overtime but don't get paid correctly. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) is very clear about how overtime must be calculated. Here's what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Weekday overtime = 1.5 times your normal hourly rate
- Sunday work = 2 times your normal rate
- Public holiday work = 2 times your normal rate
- Maximum overtime: 10 hours per week (3 hours per day)
- These rules only apply if you earn below R254,371.67 per year
How to calculate your hourly rate
Your normal hourly rate = monthly salary ÷ 4.33 ÷ weekly hours. For example: if you earn R15,000/month and work 45 hours/week, your hourly rate is R15,000 ÷ 4.33 ÷ 45 = R76.98 per hour.
Overtime rates
The BCEA sets these minimum overtime rates:
- Normal overtime (weekday, after hours): 1.5x your hourly rate
- Sunday work (if you don't normally work Sundays): 2x your hourly rate
- Public holiday work: 2x your hourly rate
- Night shift allowance: negotiated separately (not in the BCEA)
Maximum overtime hours
Your employer cannot make you work more than 10 hours of overtime per week. Your total working hours (normal + overtime) cannot exceed 55 hours per week. If your employer regularly asks you to work more than this, they are breaking the law.
- Normal hours: maximum 45 per week (9 per day for 5-day week)
- Overtime: maximum 10 per week (3 per day)
- Total: maximum 55 per week
Who is NOT covered?
The BCEA overtime rules don't apply to everyone. You are excluded if you earn more than R254,371.67 per year (about R21,197/month), or if you are a senior manager who can hire and fire people. If you're excluded, your overtime is governed by your employment contract — not the law.
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the Overtime Calculator