The Western Cape has the lowest incidence of corporal punishment in its schools.
Jessica Shelver, provincial education department spokesperson, says – at 4,5% – for the period 2009 to 2012 it is the lowest of six provinces, with the Eastern Cape topping the list at 30,3%.
Statistics for other provinces are: KwaZulu Natal – 21,4%; Free State – 18,4%, Mpumalanga –11,5% and Gauteng – 4,6%.
Shelver attributes the province’s high number of investigations into corporal punishment to reporting mechanisms and the commitment to investigations of all cases reported either through the Safe Schools Hotline, or through schools and district offices.
“The department does not hesitate when it comes to investigating allegations of corporal punishment and charging those responsible,” she points out.
“The province charged 160 teachers with assault, mainly corporal punishment, during the 2013/14 financial year, 204 in 2014/15 and 222 in 2015/16.”
According to Shelver, the figures do not necessarily reflect the incidence of corporal punishment in the country as a whole.
She adds that despite the increase in reportage, the more serious cases are left unreported.
“The department is aware of the challenges many teachers face when managing and attempting to change behaviour and provides extensive training and support on discipline and positive behaviour programmes through district offices,” Shelver said.
Trainers include former principals and teachers and professional staff such as school psychologists and social workers.
Shelver said the safety and actions of teachers and staff are a concern when pupils act violently or attend school high on drugs.
“We are considering ways in which to address these situations without infringing on the rights of the learner, but at the same time protecting our staff,” she said, adding that parents should take responsibility for instilling respect and discipline in their children.
The department has issued a circular on corporal punishment to all schools as well as officials to remind them that strict disciplinary action will be taken against corporal punishment as it is regarded as assault, and therefore carries the same sanctions in terms of the SA Schools Act.
Corporal punishment (assault) that is punishable includes any physical act which may cause discomfort or pain to the pupil, using a stick, belt, cane or any object to threaten pupils, shaking a pupil, pinching, kicking, poking someone with a finger, any verbal onslaught, use of vulgar language, swearing, name calling or insulting a pupil with racial and/or sexual undertones.
Report corporal punishment to the Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47. Parents are also encouraged to report incidents to the school principal or the district office.
