Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
EMPLOYING children under the age of 18 – whether directly or indirectly – is child exploitation which must be addressed decisively, stakeholders have said.
This came out during a one-day stakeholder workshop on energy minerals hosted by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development in Kadoma recently.
Speaking at the workshop, Acting Deputy Director in the Department of Labour Research and Economics under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Timothy Mudakureva said involving children in mining operations is a serious violation of their rights.
“Employing children in mining, whether directly or indirectly, constitutes child labour and exploitation. This must stop,” he said.
Mr Mudakureva said children in mining environments face significant risks, including physical harm, exploitation and long-term developmental challenges.
“These are hazardous environments that are not suitable for children. Their safety, education and well-being are compromised when they are drawn into such activities.
“When households struggle to meet basic needs, children are sometimes forced to contribute to family incomes, but this should never come at the expense of their rights,” he said.
Those attending the workshop said child labour not only disrupts their education but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, as affected children are denied opportunities for long-term development.
ActionAid Zimbabwe country director, Dr Selina Pasirayi said addressing child protection issues in the mining sector requires a holistic approach that tackles both poverty and weak enforcement mechanisms.
“We cannot separate child protection from livelihoods. Families need sustainable sources of income so that children are not pushed into harmful work,” she said.
Dr Pasirayi called for strengthened community-based monitoring systems and increased awareness to ensure that cases of child exploitation are identified and addressed.
She also emphasised the importance of keeping children in school as a key strategy in breaking the cycle of child labour.
“There is need to invest in education and social protection programmes that support vulnerable households,” she said.
Participants at the workshop also called for stricter enforcement of labour laws, particularly in informal mining areas where most violations are reported.
Mr Mudakureva said the Government is working towards strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement to curb child labour in the sector.
“We need a coordinated approach involving Government, communities and development partners to ensure that children are protected at all times,” he said.
