JOHANNESBURG – South African Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts to tackle the issue of child labour in the agricultural sector. Speaking at the launch event of the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa project in Sandton, Johannesburg, Nxesi highlighted the significance of the agricultural sector to the economy and the troubling involvement of children in agricultural labour.
According to South African Government News Agency, addressing child labour requires understanding its root causes, including poverty, lack of education, and limited awareness of child rights. The minister referred to the Durban Call to Action, adopted at last year’s 5th Global Conference in Durban, which commits various stakeholders to take immediate action to eliminate child labour. He stressed the importance of investing in education for all children, as it empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and contribute positively to society.
The project, funded by the European Union and in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), focuses on strengthening the prevention and elimination of child labour in South Africa’s agricultural sector. Nxesi underscored the importance of enforcing existing laws and regulations, including imposing stringent penalties and rigorous monitoring to deter exploitation of children for labour. Support systems are also crucial for the rehabilitation and reintegration of children rescued from child labour, ensuring they receive necessary care, counselling, and education.
Nxesi called for increased awareness about child rights and labour laws within farming communities. Educating parents, guardians, and employers about the adverse effects of child labour and the legal consequences can act as a powerful deterrent. He emphasized that collaboration between government, employers, workers’ organizations, civil society, and international agencies is vital for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices.
The minister highlighted the support from the European Union and the ILO in this endeavor and announced the pilot projects in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces. He urged stakeholders to continue collaborating, innovating, and advocating to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children, free from child labour.
Nxesi concluded that the fight against child labour in agriculture is a moral imperative requiring steadfast commitment. The goal is to replicate these pilot projects nationwide and eventually eliminate child labour in the agricultural sector and beyond. He called for united efforts to be the voice for the silenced, advocates for the vulnerable, and champions for those deserving a brighter future.