04:05 AFRICA
style doesn’t fit. The energy is off.
initiatives. Be transparent.
the full employee lifecycle with care and legality is what sets successful global teams apart. If your company is expanding into South Africa, don’t wait for things to go wrong. With the right processes and the right local partner, you can navigate the tough moments with clarity and control. And let’s be clear: South Africa isn’t a hiring risk, it’s a global opportunity. South African professionals are known for their skill, resilience, and global mindset. With strong English fluency, reliable connectivity, and time zones that naturally sync with Europe and parts of the U.S., they integrate seamlessly into international teams. Add to that the economic advantage of a favorable exchange rate, and it’s easy to see why more companies are building remote teams here.
Let the employee know when they’re underperforming and what they can do to improve. Communicate early. Notify your EOR in advance if you suspect termination may be needed. Respect the law. Probation doesn’t waive employee rights. Partner closely with your EOR. We are your HR team on the ground Firing Remotely Isn’t Easy, But It Can Be Lawful Let’s face it: terminating a team member is never easy. Doing it across borders, in a legal environment you don’t fully understand, can feel even more complex. That’s exactly why partners like DNA EOR exist. We don’t just help you hire, we protect your compliance, your brand, and your employee experience every step of the way. Hiring internationally is a bold move, but managing
Unfortunately, “not a culture fit” is not a legally valid reason for termination under South African law. Unless poor performance can be demonstrated and documented (or gross misconduct occurs), you’re limited in how you can end employment lawfully. In these cases, the EOR may explore mutually agreed terminations or negotiated exits, but these are highly sensitive and must be handled with discretion, care, and always in alignment with the employee’s legal rights. Best Practices for International Employers If you’re hiring South African talent via an EOR, here’s how to ensure a smooth offboarding process, should it ever become necessary: Document everything. Performance expectations, feedback sessions, and support
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GLOBAL PAYROLL MAGAZINE ISSUE 13
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