05 Mar 2019

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is not aware of any reported child labour incidents in farms countrywide, Ghanzi commercial farm inclusive.

Responding to a parliamentary question on March 4, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said measures put in place to avert child labour in farms especially in Ghanzi included accommodating children in hostels.

They were also transported to and from school at the beginning and end of term, she added.

Other measures, she said, included provision of basic needs to such children and having collaboration with Window of Hope, a non-governmental organisation that provided psychosocial support services to the children to value education.

She  said in terms of the Children’s Act section 24 subsections 1 to 6, children have the right to protection against harmful labour practices.

She explained that the penalty attached to any person who unlawfully employs a child shall be guilty of an offence and shall be sentenced to a fine not less than P10 000 but not more than P30 000 or to an imprisonment for a term of not less than 12 months but more than five years or both.

MP for Ghanzi North, Mr Noah Salakae had asked the minister to state measures in place to address child labour incidents in farms country wide especially in Ghanzi commercial farms. ENDS