Teachers Renew Campaign To Reintroduce Corporal Punishment In Schools

Martin Chaburumunda, president of the Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union (ZRTU), argued that the prohibition has left teachers powerless, restricting their ability to shape and maintain disciplined classrooms. Said Chaburumunda:

“The banning of corporal punishment has caused discipline issues to rise in schools.

“Discipline is a cornerstone of education. Moderate disciplinary measures are necessary in schools.

“We have a new problem of drug and substance abuse in schools, and with no teacher control over learners, it will be difficult to fight it.

“Right now, teachers are treading very cautiously when reprimanding learners because they fear being accused of infringing on pupils’ rights.”

Charles Musembwa, Manicaland provincial coordinator for the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), argued that the ban on corporal punishment should have been paired with an alternative disciplinary tool to maintain control over pupils.

Musembwa lamented that learners now know they can misbehave with impunity, including engaging in risky activities.

However, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo recently warned school heads in Mutare that any use of corporal punishment would carry serious consequences.

Moyo reiterated that the ban remains firmly in place but suggested that those in favour of reintroducing it should petition the House of Assembly and lobby parliamentarians. He said:

“Let me remind you that corporal punishment is still outlawed. No learner should be beaten at school.

“I have been a teacher myself, and I used to beat a lot of learners. Upon reflection later on in life, I realised it was wrong to beat them. I do not remember beating my own children.

“Those who feel corporal punishment should be restored are free to petition Parliament, stating their reasons, but as of now, it is banned.

“Headmasters, as leaders, identify those learners who have a habit of partaking in drugs so that remedial action is taken.”

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education recently issued new guidelines making it clear that hitting pupils is strictly forbidden.

The rules stress the importance of respecting learners’ dignity and promoting alternative forms of discipline, such as counselling and guided reflection.

Teachers who break the ban could face disciplinary measures or even criminal charges.