20 September 2007
A businessman in KwaZulu-Natal was this week sentenced to a three year
imprisonment or R10 000 fine for employing an underage child. The punishment of
businessman Ramraka Singh by the Lower Tugela Magistrate's Court on Monday
followed his arrest earlier this year for employing a 14 year old child as a
street vendor selling clothes and cakes in contravention of the Basic
Conditions of Employment Act.
In terms of the law, it is a criminal offence to employ a child who is under
15 years of age. The law further prohibits making those under this category
perform employment that is inappropriate or places at risk their well-being,
education, physical or mental health, or spiritual, moral or social
development. Singh was found guilty on both counts and the three year
imprisonment was suspended for five years on condition he is not convicted of
the same offence during this period.
The minor in question has since been accepted as a pupil at Enkukhwini
Primary School in the area following a joint arrangement by the Labour
inspectors who had arrested Singh and the officials of the Social Welfare and
Education departments.
Labour Spokesperson Zolisa Sigabi has expressed delight at Singh's
sentencing and warned that the same fate would befell anyone caught flouting
the law. "It is the responsibility of every South African to help eradicate
child labour and report such cases to any nearest Labour Centre," she said.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
20 September 2007
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
