Minister questions ban on corporal punishment amid rising indiscipline in schools

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has suggested that the government’s decision to ban corporal punishment in schools may have been misguided.

Moyo’s comments come amid growing concerns that teachers feel powerless to maintain discipline in classrooms, with some students reportedly bullying educators under the guise of asserting their rights.

Responding to a trade unionist advocating for the reinstatement of corporal punishment this week, Moyo acknowledged the challenges teachers face. He said:

“I truly wonder if we haven’t erred too far in the name of progress. The classroom, once a place of order and respect, has become a battleground where our frontline educators are stripped of the authority to instill discipline.

“We are witnessing a troubling shift — a Grade 7 learner now dares to bully a teacher, invoking ‘rights’ without understanding responsibility.

“Let us be honest. The erosion of discipline in our schools is not just an educational issue; it is a societal one. Broken families, economic hardship, and the loss of communal values have left many children without guidance. The teacher, once supported by the community, now stands alone.”

Moyo clarified that he is not advocating for violence but believes authorities should reconsider methods that once helped shape responsible citizens.

“A ‘stick in time saves nine,’ as our elders say. This is not about punishment. It is about correction, about restoring balance,” he said. “Many traditional leaders and lawmakers have echoed this call. We must explore a legal framework that allows for firm, fair discipline without abuse.

“Let us not allow misguided interpretations of rights to dismantle the foundation of learning. Discipline is not oppression; it is preparation for life. And if we do not act, we risk raising a generation that respects neither authority nor consequence.”

Currently, corporal punishment in schools is prohibited under Zimbabwean law. A 2017 High Court ruling declared corporal punishment of children unconstitutional, citing protections against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The Education Amendment Act (2020) reinforced this by explicitly banning corporal punishment and ensuring children are not subjected to physical or psychological abuse.

Despite the legal ban, reports suggest corporal punishment persists in some areas, as cultural and traditional attitudes toward discipline continue to clash with the law. *_-ZimEye_*