The Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, says the lifting of corporal punishment in public schools has not affected teachers’ ability to maintain discipline.
Since assuming government in 2024, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), as a human rights government, lifted corporal punishment.
Responding to a question in the just-ended Ntlo Ya Dikgosi session from Kgosi Khachana III of North East, the minister defended the decision. Kgosi Khachana had asked, amongst others, if the removal of corporal punishment has affected teachers’ ability to maintain order, and if there were any assessments conducted by the ministry to compare the output of the time of corporal punishment and its removal.
In response, Kgafela defended government’s decision, stating that teachers are well-trained to deal with students without corporal punishment.
“Teachers have not been affected negatively. Our teachers are trained to use positive behavioural reinforcements to be used during teaching and learning. In addition, our teachers are supported through the department of care and support to adopt alternative discipline measures,” she said.
If anything, Kgafela provided such examples that teachers could adopt to instil discipline in students.
“The use of guidance and counselling lessons where learners are taught positive behaviour and how to build good relationships between themselves, teachers, and peers. In addition, through life skills education, learners are given life skills including conflict resolution, educational intelligence and responsible use of digital media,” she said.
Though the minister supported the lifting of corporal punishment, she could not back it up with findings stating that the ministry has yet to do a report.
“A formal assessment to establish impact has not been done so far, but there is a notable reduction in cases of abuse of corporal punishment,” she said.
However, Kgafela said globally, there are notable results that even without corporal punishment, students can thrive and perform greatly.
“There is evidence that alternative discipline has overall academic outcomes and does enhance positive learner discipline,” she said.
