SA new mothers get one of the world's rawest deals

South Africa ranks among the lowest in the world when it comes to maternity pay and statutory benefits for new mothers, a recent report shows.

- Aarti Bhana

The country ranked 171 in a survey of more than 190 countries by payroll company Moorepay, on maternity pay. Papua New Guinea, Tonga and the US were also ranked among countries with little to no monetary benefits for new mothers.

Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, pregnant employees in South Africa are entitled to at least four consecutive months of maternity leave. The leave is unpaid, but employees can claim up to 60% of their salary from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

While this is a form of temporary financial security, it does not include self-employed women.