The National clap for South Africa

1.3Process followed in preparing this draft CLAP

1.3.1Obtaining baseline information

(a)Statistical information

The first step in this process was to develop a reliable and credible database on child labour in the country. An investigation was done in 1996 to determine which tool would be the most appropriate. A national household-based survey was recommended. Therefore, in 1999 Statistics South Africa conducted the first national survey of child work, entitled the Survey of Activities of Young People (SAYP). This survey and the policy development process that followed were conducted with financial and other support procured by the International Labour Organisation.

The official reports were released in October 2002. The survey results provide a national quantitative picture of child labour in the country and give an appreciation of the different categories of working children who are most in need or who are at the greatest risk. Copies of various reports on the findings of the SAYP are available on the website of the Department of Labour at www.labour.gov.za (then follow the link on the home page to 'Child labour documents').

(b)Qualitative research

All known qualitative research conducted within South Africa on areas relevant to this policy was reviewed. The research reports that were available by early 2001 are listed in the Discussion document referred to.

Following the above processes of gathering information, the government of South Africa began formulating appropriate policies and a national action programme to combat child labour. The different elements of this process are described below.

1.3.2Analysis of existing situation

First the situation of children's work in South Africa was analysed and policy implications were identified. This was done in the Discussion document, released in December 2002.

1.3.3Consultation with the South African public (adults)

A detailed consultation process was run to obtain input on the analysis and formulation of policy from the public in general, and a wide range of stakeholders with particular interests in the issue, including a range of government agencies. Their comments were elicited during workshops in each province and seven national issues-based workshops. These consultations were run from January 2003 to April 2003.

The consultations were to:

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  Establish what kinds of work-related activities of children place them at risk;
  
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  Assess the seriousness of that risk in different circumstances, including which forms of work are the most hazardous and should be stopped as a matter of priority;
  
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  Identify the extent and causes of these different forms of child work and child labour;
  
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  Formulate a programme of action that identifies the most appropriate ways to address detrimental forms of child work and labour.
  

1.3.4The views of children

In a parallel process, children's views were gathered. As those most affected by the issue, children need to be involved in the policy process. The aim was to ensure that the CLAP recognised children's coping strategies in the face of difficulties, built on their resourcefulness while at the same time developing programmes and interventions to provide adequate prevention, protection and provision of services.

Early in the policy formulation phase, focus group discussions were held with a modest number of children who were involved in a range of work activities in different parts of South Africa. They gave views on the work they did and many described difficulties that they faced in this regard. This, together with the consultative workshops with adults and the analysis of available data, was taken into account in the formulation of policy. After engagement with those proposed to take policy action, mainly government, firm policy proposals were formulated. These were again taken back to the focus groups of children and policy was modified, taking into account their input.

Copies of reports on this process, the first entitled When I finish my work it is after six. My heart is so sore because I have not played – Report on Children's Participation Process Towards a South African Child Labour Programme and funded by Save the Children Sweden, is available at http://childrenfirst.org.za/radda_barnen.

In addition, 2 500 children in Grade 7 participated in schools-based exercises throughout South Africa to indicate their views on which kinds of work are acceptable for children to do and which not, as well as policy measures to address unacceptable work. A report on this project, funded by Save the Children Sweden and the International Labour Organisation, will also be available at the above web site in the latter half of 2003. Annexure C contains a list of schools that participated in this process.

1.3.5Engaging key stakeholders on action steps

A team involving the Department of Labour, experts on child labour in South Africa and the International Labour Organisation then engaged with key stakeholders, including government departments, on action steps proposed in the above processes. This was aimed at achieving the following:

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  Stakeholders’ indication whether they supported the proposed action steps affecting them, and adjustment of areas of action where appropriate;
  
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  Updating information from stakeholders on:
  

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  established areas of policy within their line functions that already potentially address aspects of child labour;
  
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  current processes aimed at producing policies complementary to the child labour policy;
  

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  A process of seeking:
  

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  commitment of both financial and human resources to action steps agreed to by stakeholders from existing budgets or to be motivated for as additions to the budget;
  
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  identification of action steps where urgent action is needed and for which resources must quickly be found;
  
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  identification of distinct areas of action for which donor funding was required .