Employment and Labour launches European Union funded Child Labour project in Johannesburg, 17 Nov

The Department of Employment and Labour in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to launch an European Union funded Child Labour project that seeks to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector in South Africa.

As child labour remains a pressing issue in South Africa, affecting the lives of thousands of children across various sectors, the Government of South Africa, in partnership with civil society organisations, international agencies, and local communities recognises the urgency of addressing the scourge.

Through the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that combines prevention, protection and rehabilitation efforts, the South African Government is making strides to eradicate child labour in the agricultural sector.

Following the 5th Global Conference on the elimination of Child Labour in Durban, which culminated with the adoption of the “Durban Call to Action”, emphasising the need for urgent action to end child labour, the government has intensified its efforts to eliminate the rampant child labour.

In light of the increasing incidence and prevalence of child labour in agriculture and commitments made through the Durban Call to Action, the proposal was approved by the European Union to respond to this scourge in the agricultural sector.

The project will be piloted in two provinces, that is, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. A report from the last Survey on the Activities of Child Labour (2019) indicates that KwaZulu Natal Province has the highest prevalence of child labour in the country; and the Western Cape has the highest number of children not going to school (source: Survey on the Activities of Young People in South Africa – Statssa publication).

The overall objective of the project, which is to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector in South Africa, resonates with the Durban Call to Action.

Media is invited to attend and cover the launch scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: 17 November 2023
Time: 10h00 to 12h00
Venue: Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika in Sandton, Johannesburg
RSVP: Siyabulela.Dzanibe@labour.gov.za / 066 115 9415

For media inquiries, kindly contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: Teboho.Thejane@labour.gov.za