What is Parental Leave in South Africa?

As of 1st January 2020 the new parental leave has replaced the three days paid family responsibility leave when a child is born or adopted.

Parental leave is 10 consecutive days: An employee who is a parent of a child will be entitled to 10 consecutive days’ parental leave. These are calendar days, not working days. 

Parental leave is unpaid, however, employees that take this leave may claim benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund if they have been employed for longer than 13 weeks.