In Botswana, the Employment Act (Cap. 47:01) is the main legislation that governs vacation leave entitlements.

Annual Leave Entitlement

According to Section 28 of the Employment Act (Cap. 47:01), employees have a right to a minimum of 15 working days of paid annual leave for every 12 months of continuous service. The eligibility for annual leave kicks in after an employee has completed six months of continuous service. The leave accrues throughout the working year, and employees can start using it once they become eligible. The timing of when employees can take their vacation leave is generally determined by the employers.

Important Considerations

There is a provision for employees to carry over a maximum of 30 working days of unused leave to the following year. However, exceeding this limit may lead to forfeiture. During their vacation leave period, employees are entitled to receive their regular pay.

Botswana celebrates a mix of national, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1): This day marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• President's Day (3rd Monday in July): This holiday is dedicated to honoring the sitting President of Botswana.
• Botswana Day (September 30): This day is a commemoration of Botswana's attainment of independence from Britain in 1966.
• Independence Day (October 1): This day officially marks when Botswana gained independence.

Religious Holidays

• Good Friday: This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Easter Monday: This is the day after Easter Sunday, which is a Christian holiday.
• Christmas Day (December 25): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26): Traditionally, this was a day for giving gifts to service workers, but it is now observed as an additional holiday.

It's important to note that when a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day off is often observed the following Monday.

In Botswana, the Employment Act (Cap. 47:01) is the primary legislation governing leave entitlements.

Annual Leave

According to Section 28 of the Employment Act (Cap. 47:01), employees are entitled to a minimum of 15 working days of paid annual leave for every 12 months of continuous service. Employees become eligible after completing six months of continuous service.

Sick Leave

As per Section 29 of the Employment Act (Cap. 47:01), employees are entitled to paid sick leave after completing six months of continuous service. The amount of paid sick leave depends on the length of service:

• 6-12 months of service: 14 days of paid sick leave
• Over 12 months of service: up to 1 month of paid sick leave per year

Employers usually require a medical certificate to substantiate sick leave claims.

Maternity Leave

Section 30 of the Employment Act (Cap. 47:01) states that female employees are entitled to 12 weeks (84 days) of paid maternity leave. Entitlement typically requires employment with the same employer for at least six months.

Compassionate Leave

According to Section 33 of the Employment Act (Cap. 47:01), employees may be granted a few days of paid leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling).

Other Types of Leave

Botswana's Employment Act doesn't explicitly mandate paternity leave. However, some employers offer it as part of their policies.

Important Considerations

Many employers offer more generous leave entitlements than the legal minimums outlined in the Employment Act. Consult your employment contract or company handbook. Collective bargaining agreements may provide for additional leave benefits.