Education MEC Ms Reginah Mhaule has asked that incidences of corporal punishment be reported to the department. She said during an oral answering session in legislature recently that while corporal punishment had been banned in schools, the practice seemed to continue. She was responding to questions posed to her by Mr Johanne Mkhatshwa, ANC MPL.
“We are aware of several isolated incidences of corporal punishment. There are 33 000 educators in the system. We can’t expect that there won’t be any lawbreakers but when they do we have laws.”
Mhaule explained that the department advocated for teachers to refrain from corporal punishment and that they investigated all complaints received. “Where a teacher is found guilty appropriate sanctions are instituted.”
A learner of Cefups Academy, Paballo Seane (19), died in hospital on July 31. There are allegations that she might have been beaten prior to her death. The police are investigating the incident and the education department is still deciding on whether the school will remain open or be shut down.
The MEC said that in the 2013/14 financial year, a teacher had been dismissed and several others had their salaries suspended or were fined for infringements.
The MEC called on the community to report all incidences of corporal punishment to the department on the following toll-free number: 080-020-3116.
