The WCED reminds teaching staff of its strict approach to Corporal Punishment.
26 July 2016
The Western Cape Education Department views incidents of corporal punishment in a very serious light.
My department has therefore issued a circular (0024/2016) to all schools and officials to remind them that the department will take strict disciplinary action against employees who administer corporal punishment or who assault learners.
Corporal punishment and assault are regarded as the same, and carry the same sanctions, in terms of the SA Schools Act.
According to Stats SA figures for six provinces for the period 2009 to 2012, the Western Cape has the lowest incidence of corporal punishment in the country.
Stats SA figures for these provinces are as follows:
Eastern Cape: 30.3%
KwaZulu Natal: 21.4%
Free State: 18.4%
Mpumalanga: 11.5%
Gauteng: 4.6%
Western Cape: 4.5%
However, while the number of cases reported independently to Stats SA remains the lowest, the Western Cape generally has the highest number of cases that are investigated by the Department, as a result of our reporting mechanisms and commitment to investigating every case reported to us either through the Safe Schools Hotline, or through the schools and district offices. Our record shows that the department does not hesitate when it comes to investigating allegations of corporal punishment and charging those responsible.
The WCED charged 160 teachers with assault, mainly corporal punishment, during the 2013/15 financial year, 204 in 2014/15 and 222 in 2015/16.
The figures reflect high levels of reporting by the department, but not necessarily the incidence of corporal punishment in the country as a whole.
While this increase is completely unacceptable, it is also encouraging that more cases are coming to the attention of the Department.
What continues to remain unacceptable is if there are serious incidents that are left unreported.
In the Western Cape we are committed to building a society based on the values of the Constitution. Physical assault does not reflect these values.
At the same time, the WCED is well aware of the challenges that many teachers face when managing and attempting to change behaviour.
The WCED provides extensive training and support on discipline and positive behaviour programmes via our district offices.
Those providing the training and support include former principals and teachers with many years of experience in dealing with the issue, and professional staff such as school psychologists and social workers.
The WCED has recently completed a roadshow to all districts and have included a discussion on Corporal Punishment with principals, also taking into account their concerns about processes followed when investigating such incidents, and the safety and actions of educators and staff when learners act in a violent manner or attend school high on drugs. We take note of these very serious concerns and we are considering ways in which to address these situations without infringing on the rights of the learner, but at the same time protecting our staff. In this regard, we call on parents to take responsibility for instilling respect and discipline in their children.
I am pleased however that this circular will remind principals and educators of the serious approach that we take in resolving reported issues of Corporal Punishment. It includes information on the responsibilities of all roleplayers when being informed that Corporal Punishment has taken place, the various laws that have been promulgated to give effect to, assist and guide employees in refraining from administering corporal punishment, the consequences of administering corporal punishment, and the definitions of “Corporal Punishment” and “Assault”.
All forms of corporal punishment shall, by implication, be regarded as an act of assault.
The following are examples of forms of corporal punishment (assault) that are punishable:
- Any physical act which may cause discomfort or pain to the learner
- Using a stick/belt/cane or any object to threaten learners
- Intention to inflict bodily harm
- Threatening a learner
- Shaking a learner
- Any forms of torture
- Kicking
- Pinching
- Pulling of ears or any other body parts
- Poking at someone with a finger
- Any verbal onslaught, use of vulgar language, swearing, name-calling
- Insulting a learner with racial and/or sexual undertones
Again, I would like to appeal to all learners to continue to report any form of abuse, intimidation, victimisation or violence to the WCEDs Safe Schools hotline – 0800 45 46 47. Parents are also encouraged to report incidents to the Principal of the school, and/or the District office.
As a Province, we would like to see the end of Corporal Punishment as a whole and it is important that we send a strong message out to all Educators that it will not be tolerated in our schools.
Issued by Jessica Shelver, Spokesperson to Minister Debbie Schafer, 26 July 2016
