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Sugarcane farmers fueling child labour

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Sugarcane farmers fueling child labour

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INCREASE GUMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

CHIREDZI – Emerging sugarcane farmers in Chiredzi are fueling child labour taking advantage of the many child-headed families in the area, the Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Human Rights was told.
It is estimated that there are over 300 children working in sugarcane fields in Chiredzi and residents called on the Department of Social Welfare to look into the issue.


Speaking during a fact finding meeting to gather causes of child labour from the communities on Wednesday, several residents and representatives of civic organisations said small scale sugarcane growers are the worst culprits employing children under the age of 18 in the fields.
The committee is headed by Senator Sydney Sekeremai.
Douglas Mwonzora who is a member of the committee was also present in the meeting that was held at Chitsanga Hall.
Jonathan Muusha of the Zimbabwean Traditional Medical Practitioners Council said there was need to intensify awareness on child labour to both sugarcane farmers and parents so that they don’t take their children with them to work on sugarcane farms.


“Many children in Chiredzi come from child headed families and they would be looking for money to fend for their siblings. I think the social welfare should look into that if we are to end child labour,”said Muusha.
Mwonzora said as long as Children under the age of 18 perform duties against their wish, it is exploitation.
Dr Sekeramai said the gathered facts will be taken to Parliament to be used in the formulation of the report in the amendment of the Child Labour Act.
The Committee which is doing a national consultation across the country could not go to Chambuta because of flooded Chilonga bridge.https://masvingomirror.com

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