Oliphant was delivering a keynote address during the national day against child labour in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
A study found that a total of 121 000 children were engaged in market economic activities in 2010.

She said a total of 90 000 children were reported having been injured in the past year while doing an economic work activity.

"Overall, 4 392 000 children - over 40% of those attending school - were reported to have been absent on five or more days since the beginning of the school year."

Oliphant added that 59 000 of these children gave work-related reasons for their absence, such as helping with household tasks and looking after their own children or other family members.

"South Africa will abide by the International Labour organisation's request for the country to lead the campaign to bring neighbouring countries on board, to comply with attempts to eradicate the worst forms of child labour."

Source: SAPA