South African Government Initiates Review of Labor Laws Targeting Reductions in Maximum Weekly Work Hours

The Department of Employment and Labour is reviewing South Africa’s Basic Conditions of Employment Act to potentially reduce the 45-hour work week.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 8:08 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from BusinessTech South Africa

Legislative Review of the 45 Hour Standard

South African labor authorities are currently examining the legal framework that governs the duration of the working week. Under the current provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the maximum normal working time is set at 45 hours per week. The new review seeks to determine whether this standard remains appropriate for the modern economic landscape or if a reduction to 40 hours or even a 4 day work week model would be more beneficial for the national workforce and overall productivity.

Alignment with International Labor Organization Standards

A primary driver for this legislative shift is the desire to align South African labor practices with the recommendations of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Many developed and emerging economies have already transitioned to shorter work weeks, citing research that links reduced hours to lower rates of employee burnout and higher levels of engagement. The Department of Employment and Labour is analyzing data from various sectors to understand how a shorter work week might impact different industries, from manufacturing to the services sector.

Economic Considerations and Productivity Assessments

The proposed changes have sparked a significant debate among business leaders and labor unions. Proponents of the reduction argue that modern technology and automation allow for the same output to be achieved in less time, suggesting that shorter hours could actually boost hourly productivity. Conversely, some employer organizations have expressed concern regarding the potential increase in labor costs, particularly for small and medium enterprises that may struggle to maintain current service levels with fewer operational hours.