Hands off our children! Experts and rights groups slam calls to bring back the cane in schools

Lubelihle Moyo and Mthokozisi Ncube

AS some lawmakers and parents clamour for a return of corporal punishment in Zimbabwean schools, child rights experts and organisations are raising the alarm, warning that reintroducing the cane would do more harm than good.

Following a recent incident at SOS Hermann Gmeiner Primary School, where a Grade 3 pupil was beaten by a teacher, calls to restore corporal punishment reignited. Some MPs and parents insist children need strict discipline.

Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Collins Bajila said, “Children need discipline, but we must avoid injuries. It’s time for a law that corrects without violence.” Beitbridge East MP Sithabisiwe Moyo added, “Removing corporal punishment was a mistake. Children have become disrespectful. I will push for it to return.”

However, the chorus of opposition is loud. Education Minister Dr Torerayi Moyo slammed the idea, saying, “Corporal punishment is illegal. It’s outdated. Changing behaviour requires more than fear.” Nkulumane MP Desire Moyo agreed, adding, “Drug issues and misbehaviour need compassion, guidance, and mentorship, not violence.”

Child rights lawyers and organisations backed up the ministers. Thobekile Sithole, a children’s rights lawyer, said, “Research proves corporal punishment causes aggression, fear, poor academic performance, and long-term mental health problems. Schools that use physical punishment see absenteeism, drop-outs, and disengagement.”

Legal Resources Foundation lawyer Given Khanye Sibanda reminded lawmakers of the courts’ stance. “The Constitutional Court has declared corporal punishment unconstitutional. It violates Sections 51, 53, and 81 of the Constitution, which protect children from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment,” he said.

Childline Zimbabwe highlighted the national reality, warning that violent discipline is widespread. “Seventy-eight percent of children aged 1-14 have experienced physical punishment at home. Evidence shows these methods are ineffective and perpetuate cycles of aggression and abuse,” the organisation said.

Sunga Mzeche, director of Hope for a Child in Christ, called for child-centred alternatives. “Discipline should nurture a child, not harm them physically, emotionally, or mentally. Teachers need training in Positive Discipline. Misbehaviour existed before, and beatings never solved it. We must focus on guidance, not pain.”

Kholakele Mhlanga from Umzingwane Aids Network said, “Rights and responsibilities must be balanced. Discipline can exist without violence. Children need to understand consequences, not live in fear.”

While many MPs and a majority of parents insist the cane is necessary to restore respect, the consensus among lawyers, and child protection groups is that corporal punishment is harmful, illegal, and outdated.

Zimbabwe’s children deserve discipline that teaches, protects, and nurtures rather than instils fear, advocates for the velvet hand say. Their stance is firm — hands off our children. Positive, safe, and effective alternatives exist, and the nation must embrace them.

This debate is far from over, but the experts are united: the cane belongs in the past, not the classrooms of today.