In this video, a teacher is punishing a learner with a cane. The department has confirmed that they are investigating the incident.

OFM News’ Nomaqhawe Mtebele earlier reported that the South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) Tsoane Khoarai was of the opinion that the department has a relaxed attitude towards corporal punishment in schools. This was said at the commission’s Child-friendly Space Launch in Bloemfontein. According to Khoarai, the department is not holding teachers accountable for corporal punishment.

“I think if the department were stern in their treatment of cases of corporal punishment, with immediate suspension of teachers who administer corporal punishment, it would be a deterring factor to teachers. At no point is it right. At the moment there is no reason to administer corporal punishment to a child,” said Khoarai.

“As a society, we still do not treat violations of children’s rights as a serious thing and that’s why matters do not get investigated,” explained Shirley Mlombo, of the SAHRC.

Source: OFM