In 2004, the Department of Labour introduced legislation formally governing the ways production companies and model / character agencies may work with children.

In general, the legislation regarding working hours, rest periods etc. was introduced as to protect the well being of children in any labour situation including the performing arts.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has banned exploitation of the child. Article 32 deals with economic exploitation and protection against work that is: ”likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education, or to be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development”.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Minimum Age Convention (Convention 138, Article 8), allows for variations to be granted for those children who are involved in the performances of artistic activities.

South Africa was one of the first 10 countries to register its ratification of Convention 182 on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

The Department of Labour (SA) simultaneously introduced a permit system (applicable to filming), whereby every child on every set requires a permit to be issued in advance of the shoot.

The application form may be downloaded from the Department of Labours’ website: www.labour.gov.za

Failure to provide comprehensive information will result in permits being denied. Failure to obtain the necessary permit is a criminal offence.