Children in child labour in South Africa
South Africa: Children in child labour was 8.93 in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Children in child labour in South Africa, 2010–2024
Source: International Labour Organization.
Analysis
South Africa recorded 8.93 for children in child labour in 2024.
That represents a change of up 9.5% on the previous year and down 29.8% over ten years.
Over the whole period, children in child labour in South Africa peaked at 35.86 in 2010 and was at its lowest, 5.9, in 2021.
That places South Africa 25th out of 42 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Children in child labour in South Africa, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 35.86 | — |
| 2011 | 15.99 | -55.4% |
| 2012 | 14.7 | -8.1% |
| 2013 | 14.21 | -3.4% |
| 2014 | 12.71 | -10.5% |
| 2015 | 17.3 | +36.1% |
| 2016 | 15.22 | -12.0% |
| 2019 | 10.81 | -28.9% |
| 2020 | 7.97 | -26.3% |
| 2021 | 5.9 | -26.0% |
| 2022 | 8.84 | +49.8% |
| 2023 | 8.15 | -7.8% |
| 2024 | 8.93 | +9.5% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 17.1 | 10.81 | 35.86 | 8 |
| 2020s | 7.96 | 5.9 | 8.93 | 5 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More work & labour data for South Africa
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes, annual 0.2264 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male, annual growth 0.242 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female, annual growth 0.2122 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population, annual growth rate -1.23 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population, annual growth rate 0.8748 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population 58,057 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population 14,698 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female 49,126 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male 45,189 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes 94,314 1000 No (2100)
Frequently asked questions
- What is children in child labour in South Africa?
- Children in child labour in South Africa was 8.93 in 2024, according to International Labour Organization.
- What is the highest children in child labour recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 35.86 in 2010.
- What is the lowest children in child labour recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 5.9 in 2021.
- How does South Africa rank for children in child labour?
- South Africa ranks 25th out of 42 countries with data for 2024.
- Is children in child labour rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 29.8%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from International Labour Organization, published as part of Children in child labour (15-17). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
CSV · JSON — 13 observations, free to reuse under ILO Terms of Use (attribution required).
About this data
This indicator is based on harmonized definitions used by the ILO in the context of producing global estimates. Data may differ from nationally reported figures. Child labour includes: (a) children 5-11 years old who did at least one hour of economic activity and/or more than 21 hours of unpaid household services, (b) children 12-14 years old who did at least 14 hours of economic activity and/or more than 21 hours of unpaid household services, and (c) children 15-17 years old who did at least 43 hours of economic activity. For more information, refer to the Child Labour Statistics (CHILD) database description.