What are your rights as an employee regarding religious holidays?

702's Relebogile Mabotja speaks to Legal Advisor at Strata-g Labour Solutions Faith Mashapa.

Listen below:

While South Africa is generally considered a secular state, there are two Christian holidays that are also observed as public holidays - Easter and Christmas.

Is this fair to people with other beliefs?

Mashapa explains that public holidays are decided by the government, and that South Africa doesn't have a specific law that dictates how religious holidays should work.

Each business will also apply its own rules regarding what type of leave employees are entitled to around religious holidays.

"If a company has a specific policy in place, it's important for employees to follow those policies..."

- Faith Mashapa, Legal Advisor at Strata-g Labour Solutions 

Mashapa also encourages employees and employers to have open and honest communication about their needs, and how they can ensure more inclusivity in the workplace.

"It is always a good idea to sit with your staff and engage in discussions with them, to see how best you can make sure that your policy covers everyone..."

- Faith Mashapa, Legal Advisor at Strata-g Labour Solutions 

"So the law is ever-changing, and maybe one day we'll have more religious holidays being included as public holidays."

- Faith Mashapa, Legal Advisor at Strata-g Labour Solutions 

RELATED: Navigating multiple religious holidays in the workplace

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.