Free fixed-term contract template (South Africa)

Create a BCEA-compliant fixed-term employment contract with a clear end date and a section 198B reason. Download it free as a PDF or editable Word document. No signup.

What is a fixed-term contract?

A fixed-term contract is employment for a set period or a specific task, ending on a defined date rather than running indefinitely. It suits seasonal work, covering an employee on leave, or a defined project. Unlike a permanent contract, it has a built-in end date and does not, on its own, create an expectation of ongoing employment.

The three-month rule (LRA section 198B)

Under section 198B of the Labour Relations Act, a fixed-term contract longer than three months generally needs a justifiable reason — such as covering an absent employee, a specific project, or a genuine temporary spike in work. Without one, a lower-earning employee can be deemed permanent. That is why the generator asks you to state both an end date and a reason, so the contract is on the right side of the Act.

Need a different kind of contract?

For an ongoing hire use the permanent option in the full employment contract generator, or for a household employee use the domestic worker contract.

Hired on a fixed term? Govchain runs the payroll

Whether the contract is for three months or a year, Govchain Payroll handles the payslips, PAYE and UIF for as long as they are on your books.

See Govchain Payroll
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Common questions

What is a fixed-term contract?
A fixed-term contract is an employment contract that ends on a set date or when a specific task or project finishes, rather than running indefinitely. It suits seasonal work, maternity cover, or a defined piece of work.
Can a fixed-term contract be longer than three months?
Yes, but under section 198B of the Labour Relations Act, a fixed-term contract longer than three months generally needs a justifiable reason — for example covering an absent employee, a specific project, or a genuine temporary increase in work. Without one, the employee may be deemed permanent. The generator asks you to record the reason.
Does a fixed-term employee become permanent automatically?
They can. If a fixed-term contract runs beyond three months without a justifiable reason (and the employer earns under the BCEA threshold or has 10+ employees), the employee is deemed to be employed indefinitely. That is why stating a clear reason and end date matters.
What notice applies to a fixed-term contract?
The contract ends on its end date without notice, but if either party wants to end it earlier the standard BCEA notice applies: one week in the first six months, two weeks from six to twelve months, and four weeks after a year. The generator includes this.
Can I edit the contract after downloading it?
Yes. Download the editable Word (.docx) version to adjust the wording, or the PDF to print and sign as-is. Both are free with no signup.

This generator produces a template to get you started, not legal advice. For fixed-term arrangements that are high-value or likely to be renewed, have a labour-law professional review the contract before you sign.