Maternity Leave Application in Zimbabwe: 98 Days on Full Pay

Quick answer

How long is maternity leave in Zimbabwe? The Labour Act provides 98 days of maternity leave on full pay. With a medical certificate, an employee may start leave between the 45th and 21st day before the expected delivery date. The 2023 amendment removed the former one-year service condition and three-period limit.

Introduction

Zimbabwe’s maternity-leave rules are set out in section 18 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], as amended by the Labour Amendment Act, 2023. The request should identify the expected delivery date and include the required medical certificate.

How much maternity leave is available?

Section 18 provides 98 days of maternity leave on full pay to a female employee. The 2023 amendment removed the words requiring at least one year of service and repealed the subsection that limited the number of paid maternity-leave periods and imposed a 24-month restriction.

When can maternity leave begin?

On production of a certificate from a registered medical practitioner or State Registered Nurse certifying pregnancy, the employee may proceed on maternity leave not earlier than the 45th day and not later than the 21st day before the expected date of delivery. Discuss the proposed start date with HR and the medical practitioner.

What should the application include?

State the expected delivery date, the proposed leave commencement date and the 98-day period. Attach the medical certificate. Ask HR to confirm the return-to-work date and any payroll or handover process.

Protection and practical steps

Submit the request in writing and retain proof of delivery. Do not rely on older online summaries that still quote the one-year service requirement or the previous three-period limit; those provisions were changed by the 2023 amendment.

Editable letter template

[Date] To: [Employer / Human Resources] Subject: Application for maternity leave Dear [Name], I wish to formally apply for maternity leave in accordance with section 18 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], as amended. My expected date of delivery is [date], and I propose to commence maternity leave on [date]. I understand that the statutory maternity-leave period is 98 days on full pay. I have attached the medical certificate confirming my pregnancy and expected date of delivery. Please acknowledge this application and confirm the recorded leave dates and any handover requirements. Yours sincerely, [Full name] [Position / Employee number]

Prepare your request

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Frequently asked questions

Is Zimbabwe maternity leave paid?

Section 18 provides 98 days on full pay, subject to the applicable law and employment circumstances.

Must I have worked for one year?

The Labour Amendment Act 2023 removed the former one-year service condition from section 18.

Can I start leave before the due date?

A qualifying medical certificate allows leave to begin between the 45th and 21st day before the expected delivery date.

Official sources and references

Check the current legislation and your employer’s procedure before relying on a specific entitlement.