Legal Expert Explains How South African Employees Qualify for End-of-Year Bonuses and 13th Cheques
- A legal expert offered a structured breakdown to help employees understand the criteria for receiving year-end bonuses and 13th cheques
- The video outlined key legal considerations, including contractual obligations, possible unfair treatment, and avenues for recourse
- The lawyer provided practical guidance for workers who need to negotiate bonuses not formally guaranteed in their employment terms
A South African legal expert named Aslam Moolla has sparked conversation online after sharing a detailed video explaining how employees can determine whether they qualify for an end-of-year bonus or 13th cheque.
Source: Facebook
The lawyer, who regularly educates the public on workplace rights, broke down the process into three clear steps to help workers understand where they stand legally.
In the video shared on Facebook under the handle Legal Leaders - South Africa, he began by addressing one of the most common questions employees ask in December:
"It’s the end of the year, what’s the story about my bonus and 13th cheque? Am I entitled to one? Here’s the law."
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The lawyer explained that the first and most important step is reviewing your employment contract or company policy.
"Usually, if your bonus is stipulated in your contract or company policy, the company has to pay one," he said in the video that was uploaded on 17 November 2025.
Moolla emphasised that a written agreement is binding, and if a bonus is contractually guaranteed, employers cannot simply withhold it.
Next, the attorney addressed cases where employees suspect unfair treatment.
"Is there victimisation? Did other employees receive a bonus but you didn’t because your manager didn’t like you?” he asked.
If this is the case, he advised that workers lodge a formal grievance and, if necessary, pursue an unfair labour practice claim at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA).
For employees whose contracts do not guarantee a bonus, the lawyer encouraged proactive engagement.
"If it’s not in your contract and you have to negotiate for one, don’t be afraid to put together a list of your performances and the value you’ve brought to the company."
Moolla said in the Legal Leaders - South Africa clip that went viral online.
He added that employees should confidently approach management and request support and recognition for the work they have delivered.
The informative clip has since gained traction, offering clarity to many workers navigating year-end expectations.
Source: Facebook
Mzansi reacts to the end-of-year bonus checkpoint
South Africans took to the comments section to express their thoughts on the latest knowledgeable insight on end-of-year bonuses, saying:
Marlize Wolmarans said:
"Most Companies now have at Company discretion in any contract by default. So you never really know. I'm on payroll and waiting to hear. It is based on the contract start date ...if it is being paid. Shorter than a certain period is null."
Byron Kordom stated:
"Yes, how does my bonus work if I'm a temporary?"
Hertzog Bouwer expressed:
"I'm working now four months now, never signed a contract, I'm working for Islamic people."
Watch the video below:
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Source: Briefly News
