12 June 2006
Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana today, Monday, reiterated he declares
war against employers who violate childrenâs rights by illegally engaging them
in child labour practices.
In a statement to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour Minister
Mdladlana warned that anyone caught flouting South Africaâs laws that regulate
the employment of children would be prosecuted.
âThe time has come for everyone to realise that childrenâs rights have to be
always respected.
âThroughout the world there are over 218 million boys and girls who are
currently engaging work that deprives them of education, good health, leisure
and basic freedoms,â Minister Mdladlana said.
The Minister who earlier today was inaugurated as the new Chairman of the
International Labour Organisationâs (ILO) governing body in Geneva,
Switzerland, said South Africa had ratified ILO laws against child labour as a
way of stamping out the practice.
He said that although many South Africans continued to be prosecuted under
laws prohibiting the illegal use of child labour, the problems remained rife in
a number of areas.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Issued by: Department of Labour
12 June 2006
