Child labour continues to be a challenge affecting millions of children globally, including in South Africa. Factors such as poverty, lack of access to quality education and certain cultural practices contribute to its prevalence. According to the 2019 Survey on the Activities of Young Persons (SAYP), 2.2 million children aged 7–17 were engaged in economic activities in South Africa. Of these, 571,000 were involved in child labour, a decline from 779,000 in 2010. This is showing progress yet highlighting the growing concern.
Section 28 of the South African Constitution (Bill of Rights) protects children from exploitative labour practices and harmful work that endangers their development and education. South Africa is a signatory to key International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, including:
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