Only registered doctors and traditional healers can issue sick notes – labour law expert
Here's your basic guide to sick leave and medical certificates.
Picture: Pixabay: DarkoStojanovic
Aubrey Masango speaks to Zanele Chauke, Director of the Employment and Labour Law Department at Molatudi Attorneys.
Listen below.
South African law recognises that people are not machines and require time off if they are unwell.
Sick leave can cover a range of illnesses from the flu and a stomach bug to hospitalisation.
“Sick leave identifies employees' rights and entitlement to take some time off from the workplace when it is necessary to do so.”
– Zanele Chauke, Director – Molatudi Attorneys
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act states a sick note must be provided after two consecutive sick days.
Companies will however implement more specific policies regarding when employees must inform employers and how to do so.
While these policies help curb the abuse of sick leave, they must be fair and reasonable, says Chauke.
“Some companies will say if you are absent on a Friday, a Monday or a day before a public holiday, you still need to submit a sick note even if it is only for one day.”
– Zanele Chauke, Director – Molatudi Attorneys
Sick notes, also known as medical certificates, can only be provided by doctors registered with the HPCSA and traditional healers registered with the Traditional Health Practitioners Council.
“Sick leave affects the company, it affects business… It is important for businesses to regulate it.”
– Zanele Chauke, Director – Molatudi Attorneys
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.