🇿🇦 BCEA Standard Hours
45 hrs / week
R
Normal Hourly Rate
R 103.45
Overtime Multiplier
1.5×
Overtime Rate Per Hour
R 155.17
Total Overtime Pay
R 775.86
Estimated Monthly Gross (with OT)
R 20,775.86
BCEA Overtime Rules (Section 10)
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) governs overtime in South Africa. Section 10 sets out the rules for overtime work and pay for employees earning below the earnings threshold.
Key BCEA Overtime Provisions
- Overtime is limited to 10 hours per week and a maximum of 3 hours per day.
- Overtime must be by agreement between employer and employee.
- Weekday and Saturday overtime is paid at 1.5× the normal rate.
- Sundays and public holidays are paid at 2× the normal rate.
- Maximum working hours including overtime must not exceed 12 hours per day.
- Compressed working week agreements may differ — consult your employment contract.
The normal hourly rate is derived from your monthly salary divided by the average monthly hours (weekly hours × 52 ÷ 12). This gives a consistent hourly base regardless of month length.
Overtime Pay = (Monthly Salary ÷ (Weekly Hours × 52/12)) × Multiplier × OT Hours
Note: The BCEA earnings threshold is reviewed periodically. Employees earning above the threshold are not automatically entitled to BCEA overtime provisions, though many employment contracts extend these benefits.