The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) reiterates its rejection of child labour as the global community marks World Day Against Child Labour. The day is commemorated annually on 12 June to highlight the persistence of this practice and to mobilise the world to strengthen its systems towards complete eradication of underaged children in the labour market.  

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a total of 138 million are in child labour globally. Whilst South Africa has made enormous strides in combating the participation of underaged children in the labour space, as of 2024, the ILO recorded a staggering 571,000 children who are engaged in various forms of work in the country. 

It is disheartening that there are law breakers brazenly abusing the rights of children by promoting their participating in exploitative and hazardous activities for money generating purposes, in turn impeding on their safety and development. Both the Constitution and the Children’s Act clearly stipulate the provisions of rights that must be afforded to children, protecting them against any instability. By law, no individual under the age of 18 should participate in any kind of work that poses a threat to their wellbeing, development or schooling. It is further illegal to employ a child under the age of 15, unless the employer is in the performing arts and has a permit.  

More enforcement is urgently needed, particularly in the agricultural sector where child labour is proving to still be rearing its ugly head. Although government’s Child Labour Programme of Action (CLPA), implemented in collaboration with different stakeholders including civil society, the private sector and labour played a significant role in the country’s eradication efforts, the enforcement of compliance in all sectors is instrumental in the elimination of child labour. It is the involvement of all parties, with regular inspections of workplaces by the Department of Employment and Labour that will advance the fight against this scourge. COSATU’s affiliates in various sectors will continue to resist any form of work given to a child under any circumstances.  

Through community drives and engagement, COSATU is aware of the importance of intensifying awareness and education campaigns in communities. Family settings oblivious to the constraints of the law can easily become breeding ground for child labour. The Federation is committed to the expansion of the eradication efforts to communities, conscientising households to be able to distinguish between chores versus assisting in commercial family activities that can be deemed child labour.  

As the world observes this day, COSATU hopes the international community will recommit to the permanent elimination of child labour. Whilst the goal of complete eradication by 2025 hasn’t been achieved as urged by the Fifth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour held in Durban in 2022; for policies to translate to this realisation requires concerted effort from all fronts.  

Issued by COSATU  

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za