Teachers, pupils need to discuss punishment

Union condemns student’s retaliation

‘AN EYE for an eye” is not a solution to corporal punishment believes the SA Democratic Teachers Union.

Last week, a 17- second video showing a pupil in a KwaZulu- Natal school being hit on his back by a person appearing to be a teacher went viral on social media.

The KZN education department i ssued a statement saying: “Despite it being banned since 1997‚ some teachers in South African schools continue to dish out corporal punishment‚ often for everyday offences.”

Nomusa Cembi, Sadtu spokesperson, said: “I think constructive engagement is the only way we can look at in solving this.

“An eye for an eye does not solve the problem.

“We would also appeal to parents and communities to intervene in this matter.”

Cembi said the Congress of SA Students has in the past called on pupils to fight back.

“Such a call is not constructive. The doors are open for Cosas to engage with the teachers constructively but we have not seen them adopting that route,” Cembi.

She said it was also important to note that attacks on teachers by pupils were also taking place but they were simply not as publicised.

“Teachers feel embarrassed to report these incidents.

“Some even opt to leave the profession because of abuse by pupils.

“However, if a teacher beats a pupil and the matter is reported to Sace (SA Council for Educators), the teacher, if found guilty, can be suspended,” Cembi said.

Cosas secretary- general Siyabonga Mbokazi stressed that the student body did not call on pupils to attack teachers.

Mbokazi said they had only said pupils should refuse to allow it when a teacher wants to use corporal punishment as it is against the law.

He said pupils were advised to report a teacher enforcing corporal punishment or even open a case with the police.

“Our call might be reckless to those who support the issue of corporal punishment.

“This issue is getting worse. Cases are reported everyday which shows that teachers are failing to respect department laws or the South African Schools Act section 10,” the secre- tary-general said.

As a possible way forward, Mbokazi called on the department to organise a summit where teachers and pupils would be represented and see what pupils want.

Basic Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said any attack or assault would be regarded as ill- discipline and necessary action would be taken against any pupil.

Gauteng MEC f or education Panyaza Lesufi said: “We condemn any form of assault of pupils in schools as corporal punishment is outlawed by the constitution of the country.

“We have waged a stiff war against educators who continue to assault pupils and we will not hesitate to ensure that appropriate action is taken against such educators.”