Solidarity says it condemns child labour

By Rhodé Marshall
28 September 2007

Trade union Solidarity’s Gender Committee says it condemns any violation of children’s rights.

Researcher for Solidarity, Ilene Barry says the union welcomes the verdict given in a KwaZulu-Natal court earlier this week, in which a businessman was found guilty of employing child labour.

“We welcome the outcome of the court decision in which a man was penalised with a prison sentence or a fine for using children to perform labour in South Africa,” says Barry.

Ramraka Singh was sentenced to three years imprisonment or a fine of R10 000. The Department of Labour became aware of Singh’s illegal activities earlier this year and laid a charge with the police.

“Child labour is a larger problem in South Africa than is generally assumed. It is heartening to see that South Africa is acting against this abuse of basic human rights,” says Barry.