In South Africa, corporal punishment has been banned since 1996 and legislation to protect children for more than 20 years. However, surveys show that 50% of children in schools will experience corporal punishment. Yesterday, the Johannesburg High Court heard a case on corporal punishment where two families have children have been beaten by teachers. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the South African Council for Educators (SACE) received 169 complaints. Only two teachers “were removed indefinitely for severe assault on learners,” while 23 were found guilty and paid a fine. The case also raises concerns surrounding how the SACE has been lenient upon issuing the mandatory sanctions, if found guilty for assault.

Guest: Basil Manuel - Executive Director of National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa

Guest: George Moroasui – Ethics Manager at the South African Council of Educators

Guest: Dr Faranaaz Veriava - Head of Education Rights Program at Section 27