Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant, in her dedication to protect the vulnerable, is to push ahead with the anti-child labour campaign when she plays host to the Child Labour Day.
The illegal practice of child labour will be put on the spotlight when Oliphant delivers a keynote address at the Child Labour Day commemorative event at the Robert Gunda Stadium, Upington, Northern Cape on 22 August 2014.
Oliphant said: “This day should serve as a sign of our commitment that we will do everything in our power to stop all forms of child labour.” She said the commemoration will serve as a platform that will highlight child labour in South Africa and advocate efforts to curb the problem.
The theme for this event is: “Let me be the child”. This theme is derived from the child’s right to education, playing and doing the things children must do to enhance their mental, physical and emotional well-being.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) a majority of countries have adopted legislation to prohibit or place severe restrictions on the employment and work of children. In spite of these efforts, child labour continues to exist on a massive scale, sometimes in appalling conditions, particularly in the developing world. The organisation cautions that if progress has been slow or apparently non-existent, this is because child labour is an immensely complex issue. It cannot be made to disappear simply by the stroke of a pen.
South Africa is a signatory to the ILO Convention on the worst forms of child labour. The Convention seeks to focus the international spotlight on the urgency of action to eliminate as a priority, all child labour.
This year’s commemoration will start at 10am. The event will be opened by Acting Director-General Sam Morotoba. He will share the stage with the department’s Acting Chief Director of Provincial Operations in the Northern Cape, Marsha Bronkhorst and Acting Deputy Director-General of Labour Policy and Industrial Relations, Thembinkosi Mkalipi. The occasion will also be attended by representatives of the ILO, government departments, organised business and labour as well as children.
Media is invited to attend the National Day Against Child Labour event.
Enquiries:
Kebalepile Khula
Assistant Director: Communication,
Department of Labour: Northern Cape
Tel: 051 383 1599 / 053 838 1599
Mobile: 083 405 0166
E-mail: Kebalepile.khula@labour.gov.za
Mokgadi Pela
Acting Ministerial Liaison Officer
Mobile: 082 808 2168
E-mail: mokgadi.pela@labour.gov.za
