Education MEC must address the use of corporal punishment in our schools

Education MEC must address the use of corporal punishment in our schools

 BY BRIAN KAJENGO

The DA is shocked to once again learn of teachers still using corporal punishment as a means to instil discipline in learners.

According to recent media reports a Grade 4 teacher at a Matsulu Primary school  seen beating a learner with a stick. The teacher also alleged to have threatened to beat the other learners if they did not submit their work.

The National Education Policy Act of 1996 clearly states that no person may administer corporal punishment at a school and that anyone who does this is guilty of an offence.

 This incident is not the first of its kind in Mpumalanga, and following the reports of beatings in the Tonga, Emalahleni and Thembisile Hani Areas in 2012, the DA expressed its concern over the increasing levels of intolerance among teachers, and that it may develop into a trend.

 We made repeated calls on MEC Mhaule to address teacher behaviour and embark on an aggressive campaign to educate teachers around corporal punishment, the South African Schools Act, as well as applying non-violent and effective methods of discipline, and to date, have yet to come across evidence of such a campaign. 

 MEC Mhaule must realise that corporal punishment is a reality in Mpumalanga’s schools, and acted upon. If not, it will completely spiral out of control.

 Schools should foster a safe environment that encourages learning and not be a place where learners live with a constant fear of assaulted by their teachers