Johannesburg - Government should introduce strict regulatory measures in the taxi industry and the agricultural sector to stop child labour, Cosatu said on Friday.
“Most of these children are employed in the taxi industry and the agricultural sector. We also urge government to put in place more regulatory measures in these sectors,” Cosatu said in a statement.
On Thursday, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant said more than 800,000 children were still involved in child labour.
She was speaking at the commemoration of National Day Against Child Labour in Badplaas, Mpumalanga.
The Congress of SA Trade Unions said the department should increase the size of its inspectorate for child labour to be uncovered rapidly.
“The justice system should prosecute any employer who is breaking the laws forbidding child labour and must be severely punished,” said Cosatu.
“We appeal to the taxi industry and employers in the agricultural sector to stop employing young children.”
Sapa
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