Share of children in hazardous work in South Africa
South Africa: Share of children in hazardous work was 0.28 in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Share of children in hazardous work in South Africa, 2010–2024
Source: International Labour Organization.
Analysis
South Africa recorded 0.28 for share of children in hazardous work in 2024.
Compared with earlier readings it is up 12.0% on the previous year and down 31.9% over ten years.
Over the whole period, share of children in hazardous work in South Africa peaked at 1.18 in 2010 and was at its lowest, 0.182, in 2021.
That places South Africa 33rd out of 35 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the bottom quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Share of children in hazardous work in South Africa, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.18 | — |
| 2011 | 0.511 | -56.6% |
| 2012 | 0.471 | -7.8% |
| 2013 | 0.458 | -2.8% |
| 2014 | 0.411 | -10.3% |
| 2015 | 0.561 | +36.5% |
| 2016 | 0.489 | -12.8% |
| 2019 | 0.352 | -28.0% |
| 2020 | 0.249 | -29.3% |
| 2021 | 0.182 | -26.9% |
| 2022 | 0.269 | +47.8% |
| 2023 | 0.25 | -7.1% |
| 2024 | 0.28 | +12.0% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 0.5539 | 0.352 | 1.18 | 8 |
| 2020s | 0.246 | 0.182 | 0.28 | 5 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
- 30 Costa Rica 0.375 compare
- 31 Slovenia 0.319 compare
- 32 Belarus 0.289 compare
- 34 Greece 0.15
- 35 Russian Federation 0.062 compare
More gender data for South Africa
- Child population (UN estimates and projections) 17,151 (2030)
- Child population (UN estimates and projections) (0-14), annual growth 0.6591 % change on previous year (2030)
- Age population, age 00, female, interpolated 570,099 (2025)
- Age population, age 00, male, interpolated 589,533 (2025)
- Age population, age 01, female, interpolated 570,599 (2025)
- Age population, age 01, male, interpolated 589,626 (2025)
- Age population, age 02, female, interpolated 569,634 (2025)
- Age population, age 02, male, interpolated 588,323 (2025)
- Age population, age 03, female, interpolated 594,743 (2025)
- Age population, age 03, male, interpolated 603,304 (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is share of children in hazardous work in South Africa?
- Share of children in hazardous work in South Africa was 0.28 in 2024, according to International Labour Organization.
- What is the highest share of children in hazardous work recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 1.18 in 2010.
- What is the lowest share of children in hazardous work recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 0.182 in 2021.
- How does South Africa rank for share of children in hazardous work?
- South Africa ranks 33rd out of 35 countries with data for 2024.
- Is share of children in hazardous work rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 31.9%. 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 Share of children in hazardous work (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. 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). For more information, refer to the Child Labour Statistics (CHILD) database description.