'The toughest of chores': policy and practice in children collecting water in South Africa

Abstract

The child has an elevated position within national policy in South Africa. This concern for children has been translated in varying degrees into policy, particularly in relation to child labour. Internationally there is concern that forms of child work should not impede the development of the child, particularly in health and education. Research conducted in SA has concluded that children collecting water, often over long distances in rural communities, is one of the most common forms of child labour. The research pioneers the study of children collecting water and develops an appropriate research methodology.