Children in hazardous work in South Africa

South Africa: Children in hazardous work was 8.93 in 2024. ◆ Volatile

Latest (2024)
8.93
Change on year
up 9.5%
World rank
23rd
of 40 countries
All-time high
35.86
in 2010
All-time low
5.9
in 2021
Years of data
13
2010–2024

Children in hazardous work in South Africa, 2010–2024

102030402010201720242010: 35.92011: 162012: 14.72013: 14.22014: 12.72015: 17.32016: 15.22019: 10.82020: 82021: 5.92022: 8.82023: 8.22024: 8.9

Source: International Labour Organization.

Analysis

The most recent figure for children in hazardous work in South Africa is 8.93, measured 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 hazardous work in South Africa peaked at 35.86 in 2010 and was at its lowest, 5.9, in 2021.

That places South Africa 23rd 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 hazardous work in South Africa, year by year

Annual values for Children in hazardous work (15-17) in South Africa, 2010 to 2024.
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

DecadeAverage LowestHighest Years
2010s 17.1 10.81 35.86 8
2020s 7.96 5.9 8.93 5

Countries ranked near South Africa

  1. 20 Zambia 24.05 compare
  2. 21 Paraguay 15.14 compare
  3. 22 Argentina 13.41 compare
  4. 24 Jordan 6.44 compare
  5. 25 Panama 5.9 compare
  6. 26 Romania 3.93 compare

See the full ranking of 40 places →

More gender data for South Africa

All data for South Africa →

Frequently asked questions

What is children in hazardous work in South Africa?
Children in hazardous work in South Africa was 8.93 in 2024, according to International Labour Organization.
What is the highest children in hazardous work recorded in South Africa?
The highest recorded value was 35.86 in 2010.
What is the lowest children in hazardous work recorded in South Africa?
The lowest recorded value was 5.9 in 2021.
How does South Africa rank for children in hazardous work?
South Africa ranks 23rd out of 40 countries with data for 2024.
Is children in hazardous work 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 hazardous work (15-17). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.

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Children in hazardous work in South Africa. Statizoid, drawing on International Labour Organization. Retrieved 23 August 2026, from https://gender.statizoid.com/stat/children-in-hazardous-work-15-17/south-africa/

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About this data

Indicator
Children in hazardous work (15-17)
Source
International Labour Organization
Licence
ILO Terms of Use (attribution required)
Coverage
40 places, 432 data points, 1995–2025
Last refreshed

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. Children refer to persons ages 5-17 years old. Hazardous work is measured on the basis of a list of hazardous industries and occupations, excessive working hours performed for 43 or more hours per week, and hazardous working conditions (such as night work). 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.