Press Statement dated 17 August 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) that represents more than 240 000 public-sector employees pledged the Union’s support for the Department of Labour’s plans to plans to eliminate child labour in South Africa.
On National Day Against Child Labour on 17 August 2018, the Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant, announced plans aimed at eliminating child labour under the theme “Let me be a child – a future without child labour”.
“The PSA has through its social responsibility initiatives invested in various projects that seek to ensure that children are provided with support systems for their education in the hope that they will grow up to be equipped adults who will contribute positively to the economy of South Africa,” said PSA General Manager, Ivan Fredericks.
“The Survey of Activities of Young People (SAYP) showed that of the 1.12 million South African children between the ages of 7 and 17 years, 577 000 were involved in child labour in 2015. These are children of school-going age who should be focused on their education and be supported to build better future for themselves. What is more appalling to the PSA is that according to the Survey, some 81 000 of the children involved in child labour appeared to be doing work prohibited by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. The PSA as a champion of workers’ rights is shocked that children are subjected to such abuse,” said Mr Fredericks.
The PSA called upon all stakeholders in society to work together in protecting the dignity of children. “Children need to be equipped to reach their full potential. They should also, from a young age know – in simple terms – know their human rights. The PSA will thus continue to focus its social responsibility investments assisting and empowering our country’s children and youths,” said Mr Fredericks.
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)