South African Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana on Thursday ordered that more farm blitz inspections be conducted around Tzaneen in Limpopo following media reports of child labour in the area.
The minister said that while the inspectors will check on compliance with all aspects of labour legislation, the focus will be on Section 43 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which prohibits employment of children under the age of 15.
“Employers who deliberately violate labour laws will certainly be brought to book,” the minister said.
The Department of Labour noted that on Wednesday inspectors visiting the Makiki farm near Tzaneen could not find substantive evidence of child labour. However, there was prima facie evidence of the employment of illegal immigrants.
Labour inspectors are expected to return with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to conduct further inspections on this and other farms.
“The use of children to perform the work of adults is extremely exploitative. It is not only a form of abuse of the child, but it also limits job opportunities for adults in the area,” the minister said.
South Africa was one of the first 10 countries to register its ratification of the International Labour Organisation Convention 182 on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
The minister also said he was extremely concerned about the reports that illegal immigrants are working on farms in the area.
“While all workers are entitled to the protection of the [Act] and related regulations such as those governing minimum wages, the very vulnerability of illegal immigrants, means it is almost impossible for them to assert their rights as workers,” the minister said. — I-Net Bridge