Minister Moyo Warns Teachers Against Beating Learners
Minister of Education Torerayi Moyo has warned teachers that physically disciplining learners could land them in jail, saying educators must not assume they have the same disciplinary powers as school heads.
Moyo said some teachers had already been imprisoned for beating pupils as he addressed school heads from Matabeleland North at Coalfields Primary School in Hwange on Friday.
The warning comes as the ministry pushes school authorities to maintain discipline while ensuring that learners are protected from violence, intimidation and other forms of abuse.
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Teachers Face A Different Position
According to The Chronicle, Minister Moyo said teachers are not permitted to administer corporal punishment, making it clear that classroom discipline cannot be used as justification for physically assaulting learners.
“Teachers are not allowed to apply corporal punishment. Some teachers have gone to jail for beating learners,” said Minister Moyo.
He said school heads, however, fall under specific provisions of the law that allow corporal punishment in certain circumstances.
Heads Must Account For Every Incident
Where a school head decides to administer corporal punishment, Moyo said the process cannot simply be carried out without documentation.
The head must record the punishment, maintain a logbook and provide reasons for taking the action.
“I’m sure you’re aware that corporal punishment is illegal. But if you read the statute closely, there are certain clauses where, as a head, you are able to apply corporal punishment.
“It means you have to record that you are applying corporal punishment, you need to have a logbook and give reasons why you are doing that,” said Minister Moyo.
Zero Tolerance For Abuse
Moyo broadened his message beyond corporal punishment, telling school heads that maintaining order should never create an environment in which children feel threatened.
He called for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual abuse, bullying, examination malpractice and other behaviour that undermines learners’ rights and dignity.
“There can be no quality education where children are unsafe, intimidated or subjected to violence.
“I therefore expect every school head to maintain zero tolerance for sexual abuse, bullying, corporal punishment, examination malpractice and every form of conduct that undermines the dignity, safety and rights of the child,” said Minister Moyo.
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