‘Suspending corporal punishment promotes non-violent discipline’
Pini Bothoko | Monday February 23, 2026 06:02
Addressing Parliament this week, she maintained that the suspension, pending a review of relevant laws, is in the best interests of the child and forms part of broader efforts to promote non-violent discipline in schools.
The Minister was responding to questions by Serowe South Member of Parliament (MP) Leepetswe Lesedi, who had wanted to know the government’s position on corporal punishment and whether it has been completely abolished in schools across the country.
Lesedi further sought clarity on why the government appeared to be moving away from what he described as Batswana cultural norms that promote discipline, as well as biblical teachings such as those in Proverbs 13:24, often interpreted as “spare the rod and spoil the child.”
The MP also questioned why wider consultations were not conducted before the decision was taken, and what measures are in place to protect teachers and school staff from potential misconduct by learners who may feel emboldened by the knowledge that corporal punishment is no longer permitted.
Additionally, Lesedi requested a formal assessment comparing the situation in schools before and after the abolition of corporal punishment.
He also asked whether the Minister saw a contradiction in abolishing corporal punishment in schools while the Children’s Act of 2009 still allows “reasonable” corporal punishment by parents at home, and while similar forms of discipline remain permissible within the kgotla system.
In her response, Kgafela-Mokoka stated that the government remains committed to promoting human rights and upholding the dignity of all people, including children.
“The use of corporal punishment in all schools has been suspended pending the review of all relevant laws,” she told Parliament.
“This is done in the best interests of the child and is intended to align Botswana with international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which the country is a signatory.”
However, the Minister acknowledged that in Botswana, culture, faith and child-rearing practices are deeply intertwined, but emphasised that the issue goes beyond dismissing tradition or religion.
“This is about examining whether certain practices continue to serve the best interests of children within a modern constitutional and human-rights framework,” she added.
Kgafela-Mokoka argued that culture evolves and is not abandoned when it adapts to new knowledge and social realities.
“As a Christian myself, I am fully conversant with scripture. However, the word ‘rod’ in biblical scriptures often symbolises guidance and authority, not necessarily physical beating. Christian teaching emphasises love, gentleness, patience and non-violence. “Many Christian parents globally now advocate for non-violent parenting while remaining deeply faithful,” she said.
She revealed that the debate on corporal punishment is not new, noting that the matter was raised during consultations on the Education and Training Bill by the former Ministry of Education and Skills Development.
According to the Minister, key stakeholders, including teacher trade unions, supported the abolition and advocated for strengthened psychosocial support systems in schools.
She said the Umbrella for Democratic Change government has received overwhelming public support for its broader commitment to upholding human rights.
“Government anchored its decision on the winds of change desired by the people, as well as on positive feedback from development partners and multilateral organisations,' she said.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the legality and practice of corporal punishment of children violates their fundamental human rights to respect for human dignity, physical integrity and equal protection under the law.'
She added that her Ministry has not received reports indicating a significant rise in school indiscipline following the suspension of corporal punishment.
Instead, the Minister said schools continue to implement alternative discipline methods and positive behaviour management approaches in consultation with learners, parents and guardians.
On the request for a comparative assessment, the Minister said a formal review of the situation in schools before and after the suspension is ongoing.
However, she pointed to extensive global research highlighting the negative consequences of corporal punishment on children and argued that there are compelling reasons to adopt non-violent, positive discipline methods.
She further noted that the Children’s Act of 2009, enacted within a human-rights framework, is currently under review. Kgafela-Mokoka further stated that child welfare practitioners and human rights agencies have identified gaps in the legislation, particularly regarding harmful cultural practices.
She emphasised that while culture and faith remain valuable pillars of society, they must be interpreted in ways that safeguard human dignity and promote children’s holistic development.
“I recognise that societies go through social transitions and that legal reform must be accompanied by public education campaigns, parental training on positive discipline, and engagement with traditional and faith leaders,” she said.
The Minister challenged MPs to champion children’s rights and ensure that learners receive basic education in an environment that upholds dignity and non-violence.