MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Following an incident during which a primary school learner at a local school was seemingly given an unwarranted smack through the face by an educator with a textbook, corporal punishment at schools came under the spotlight.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser directed an enquiry to the Western Cape Education Department, in lieu of the incident.
In a statement released by the department, it is made clear that the WCED views incidents of corporal punishment in a very serious light.
In the statement, Western Cape Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer mentioned a circular (0024/2016) to all schools and officials to remind them that the department will take strict disciplinary action against employees who administer corporal punishment or who assault learners.
"Corporal punishment and assault are regarded as the same, and carry the same sanctions, in terms of the SA Schools Act. As a Province, we would like to see the end of corporal punishment as a whole and it is important that we send a strong message out to all educators that it will not be tolerated in our schools," she states.
According to Stats SA figures for six provinces for the period 2009 to 2012, the Western Cape has the lowest incidence of corporal punishment in the country at 4.5%.
Figures for the other provinces are as follows: Eastern Cape: 30.3%; KwaZulu Natal: 21.4%; Free State: 18.4%; Mpumalanga: 11.5% and Gauteng: 4.6%.
While the number of cases reported independently to Stats SA remains the lowest, the Western Cape generally has the highest number of cases that are investigated.
This success rate is attributed to the WCED's reporting mechanisms and commitment to investigating every case reported through the Safe Schools Hotline, or through the schools and district offices.
"Our record shows that the department does not hesitate when it comes to investigating allegations of corporal punishment and charging those responsible," Minister Schäfer further states.
The WCED charged 160 teachers with assault, mainly corporal punishment, during the 2013/15 financial year, 204 in 2014/15 and 222 in 2015/16.
"While this increase is completely unacceptable, it is also encouraging that more cases are coming to the attention of the department. What continues to remain unacceptable is if there are serious incidents that are left unreported."
Minister Schäfer also acknowledged that the WCED is well aware of the challenges that many teachers face when managing and attempting to change behaviour. As a result, the department provides extensive training and support on discipline and positive behaviour programmes via its district offices. Training and support are provided by former principals and teachers with many years of experience in dealing with discipline issues, alongside professional staff such as school psychologists and social workers. These issues were addressed during a recent roadshow to all districts.
Independent schools, however, do not fall under the jurisdiction of the WCED, confirmed Millicent Merton of the department's directorate of communication, upon enquiry.
"Corporal punishment is a criminal offence and therefore the parents of afflicted learners can lay an assault charge with the South African Police Service."
Upon enquiry regarding specific procedures and support given within the independent schooling system, the Advertiser approached Curro head office for comment. Curro is one of the independent schools in Mossel Bay.
Marí Lategan, head of marketing and communications, stated that Curro rejects any form of corporal punishment.
"Internal procedures are followed to ensure that learners and educators can report any unwarranted behaviour. Strict disciplinary and other codes are in place and are strictly adhered to. No victimisation or intimidation of any kind is tolerated at any of our schools." Curro has campuses nationwide.
The statement released by WCED defines corporal punishment, which is by implication regarded as an act of assault.
The following are examples of forms of corporal punishment (assault) that are punishable:
- Any physical act which may cause discomfort or pain to the learner
- Using a stick/belt/cane or any object to threaten learners
- Intention to inflict bodily harm
- Threatening a learner
- Shaking a learner
- Any forms of torture
- Kicking
- Pinching
- Pulling of ears or any other body parts
- Poking at someone with a finger
- Any verbal onslaught, use of vulgar language, swearing, name calling
- Insulting a learner with racial and/or sexual undertones
Parents are also encouraged to report incidents to the principal of the school, and/or the WCED district office (044 803 8300).
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