Moonlighting Without Consent is Misconduct – A Firing Offence

KVV Inc Attorneys

Published on: 04/03/2025

Moonlighting, or holding multiple jobs without employer consent, is a serious offense in South Africa. The Labour Court has affirmed that it breaches an employee's duty of good faith, even without a specific company policy. Employers have the right to decide whether to allow it and under what terms. Nondisclosure is unacceptable, and while dismissal isn't always the consequence, it's likely when trust is broken and wrongdoing denied. Employees must disclose any outside work and obtain written consent to avoid dismissal. Employers should consider clear policies on conflicts of interest, including moonlighting, and seek legal counsel.