In Conversation With Tsholofelo Nakedi (Community Specialist at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
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In 1996, the South African Schools Act outlawed corporal punishment, bringing an end to an era where physical force — caning, slapping, and hitting — was a common way to discipline learners. The law made it clear: no child may be subjected to violence in school. Teachers who break this rule face dismissal and even criminal charges.
Almost three decades later, however, corporal punishment has not completely disappeared. Reports from the Human Sciences Research Council and organisations like Equal Education show that it remains widespread, particularly in under-resourced and rural schools. Many learners still report being beaten, while some teachers argue they feel ill-equipped to manage discipline without it.
But research shows that corporal punishment is not only illegal — it’s harmful. It has been linked to trauma, fear, school dropouts, and perpetuating cycles of violence in families and communities.
Almost three decades later, however, corporal punishment has not completely disappeared. Reports from the Human Sciences Research Council and organisations like Equal Education show that it remains widespread, particularly in under-resourced and rural schools. Many learners still report being beaten, while some teachers argue they feel ill-equipped to manage discipline without it.
But research shows that corporal punishment is not only illegal — it’s harmful. It has been linked to trauma, fear, school dropouts, and perpetuating cycles of violence in families and communities.
