Zimbabwean MPs Call For Return Of Corporal Punishment In Schools
“OUR children’s discipline shapes the nation’s future!” That’s the ringing battle cry from a group of Parliament members and traditional chiefs as they dive into the hot-button topic of corporal punishment.
Most legislators and traditional leaders advocated for a return of the cane arguing that were responsible citizens because their parents and teachers knew that: “a stick in time, saves nine!”
The fire was reignited after an SOS Hermann Gmeiner Primary School teacher beat a Grade 3 pupil, injuring his hand. Instead of silencing the debate, the shocking incident fuelled calls for a return of the cane in classrooms.
Public opinion seems clear. In a B-Metro poll last week, 90 percent of netizens backed the return of corporal punishment. Out of 10 Bulawayo residents interviewed in a vox-pop, eight supported it, with Malanda from Emakhandeni saying: “The Gen Z is too disrespectful. Bring back the cane.”
This week, 20 legislators were asked for their stance and 15 admitted they erred in removing corporal punishment.
Many are now willing to revisit the issue in Parliament. Emakhandeni-Luveve MP Collins Bajila said: “Children need to be disciplined, but we must avoid injuries. It’s time for a new law that ensures correction without violence.”
Sithabisiwe Moyo, legislator for Beitbridge East, was blunt: “Removing corporal punishment at schools was a mistake. Children have become very disrespectful. I will personally move the motion that it should return in Parliament for debate.”
Mazowe MP Tsungai Makumbe said: “Our children’s discipline shapes the nation’s future. If handled carefully, corporal punishment could play a corrective role again. True discipline corrects without leaving scars.”
Gwanda-Tshitaudze MP Moyo Fisani also weighed in: “Most agree teachers can discipline if there’s a strict set of rules. Light strokes only, administered in the presence of another educator and documented.”
Not all agree. Chief Witness Chikwaka said: “I am against corporal punishment but highly in favour of discipline. Corporal punishment is a tad too harsh.”
Education Minister Dr Toreyai Moyo fired back: “Corporal punishment is illegal. It’s outdated. Changing behaviour requires more than fear.” Nkulumane MP Desire Moyo supported him, saying: “Drug issues need compassion, not punishment. Positive, respectful discipline connected with mentorship is what our kids need.”
Parents also weighed in. Samukeliso Maseko of Bulawayo said: “As parents we fail or are afraid to discipline our children and expect teachers to do it. Charity starts at home, let corporal punishment come back.” Memory Linyani of Bubi added: “Discipline starts at home. If parents don’t step up, why expect teachers to take on that burden?”
The debate rages on. Is corporal punishment a necessary tool for discipline, or does it risk creating a rebellious and resentful generation? The future of Zimbabwe’s children hangs in the balance, and the nation is listening.
Herald
