Child Labour
All about Child Labour, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Law, Decent Work and more on Mywage South Africa
Is Child Labour legal in South Africa?
No. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) makes it a criminal offence to employ a child under 15 years of age or under the minimum school-leaving age, if this is older.
Children under 18 have a right to be protected from work that is exploitative, hazardous, inappropriate for their age, detrimental to their schooling, or detrimental to their social, physical, mental, spiritual, or moral development.
The term "work" is not limited to economic activities (e.g. paid employment) but includes chores or household activities in the child's household (such as collecting wood and fuel), where such work is exploitative, hazardous, inappropriate for their age, or detrimental to their development.
The Constitution goes further by giving children further protection from exploitative labour practices.
What is being done to help prevent Child Labour?
The National Child Labour Programme of Action is a national plan for the elimination of child labour in South Africa. Formulated in 2003, it has been adopted by a large group of stakeholders including key government departments, lead by the Department of Labour.
Their aims include:
- Promoting new legislative measure against worst forms of child labour
- Strengthening of national capacity to enforce legislative measures
- Increasing public awareness and social mobilisation against the worst forms of child labour.
Find out more about Forced Labour and CCMA Assistance.
