Children in employment in South Africa
South Africa: Children in employment was 12.74 in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Children in employment in South Africa, 2010–2024
Source: International Labour Organization.
Analysis
The most recent figure for children in employment in South Africa is 12.74, measured in 2024.
The figure is up 23.8% on the previous year and down 20.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, children in employment in South Africa peaked at 54.77 in 2010 and was at its lowest, 9.06, in 2021.
That places South Africa 26th out of 40 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 employment in South Africa, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 54.77 | — |
| 2011 | 19.2 | -64.9% |
| 2012 | 16.66 | -13.2% |
| 2013 | 18.7 | +12.2% |
| 2014 | 16.04 | -14.2% |
| 2015 | 21.46 | +33.8% |
| 2016 | 17.44 | -18.7% |
| 2019 | 12.17 | -30.2% |
| 2020 | 10.7 | -12.1% |
| 2021 | 9.06 | -15.3% |
| 2022 | 9.71 | +7.1% |
| 2023 | 10.29 | +6.0% |
| 2024 | 12.74 | +23.8% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 22.06 | 12.17 | 54.77 | 8 |
| 2020s | 10.5 | 9.06 | 12.74 | 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 employment in South Africa?
- Children in employment in South Africa was 12.74 in 2024, according to International Labour Organization.
- What is the highest children in employment recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 54.77 in 2010.
- What is the lowest children in employment recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 9.06 in 2021.
- How does South Africa rank for children in employment?
- South Africa ranks 26th out of 40 countries with data for 2024.
- Is children in employment rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 20.6%. 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 employment (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. This indicator refers to children ages 5-17 years old engaged in any form of market production and certain types of non-market production (principally that of goods such as agricultural produce for own use). This includes work in both the formal and informal economy, inside and outside family settings, for pay or profit (cash or in-kind, part-time or full-time) and domestic work outside the child's own household for an employer (paid or unpaid). Data disaggregated by economic activity are provided according to the latest version of the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) available for that year. Data may have been regrouped from national classifications, which may not be strictly compatible with ISIC. For more information, refer to the Child Labour Statistics (CHILD) database description.