Africa-Press – Botswana. In a landmark shift from a long-standing cultural norm, Botswana has officially abolished corporal punishment in schools, ending decades of a disciplinary practice deeply rooted in the country’s traditional education system.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) , the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Mmamiki Kamanakao said the move aligns Botswana with international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which the country is a signatory.
“This is about human rights and legal reform. As a member state, Botswana is obligated to comply,” she said.
Ms Kamanakao explained that the decision was informed by research, highlighting the harmful psychological and emotional impacts of corporal punishment on children. She noted that studies have linked physical punishment to increased aggression, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance.
PAC member, Mr Shima Monageng had argued that corporal punishment has long been regarded as a legitimate and accepted method of instilling discipline in Botswana.
“For generations, it was not only sanctioned by educational authorities but also supported by many parents and communities as a moral corrective measure,” he said, warning that children might become unruly without corporal discipline.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some traditionalists arguing that abolishing corporal punishment eliminates a vital tool for maintaining discipline.
“Children must be taught respect and responsibility,” said Ms Chenvula Moyo, emphasising the important role of parents in guiding children’s behaviour.
Ms Moyo called for more counseling and positive behavioral support, stating that the end of corporal punishment marked a significant evolution in the country’s educational values, one that prioritises respect, protection, and holistic child development.
Ms Moyo acknowledged the importance of adapting to evolving perspectives on children’s rights and modern psychological approaches, viewing the reform as a step forward for Botswana’s education sector. Conversely, Mr Tuelo Basiame expressed disapproval, remarking, “Thupa ga e ise e bolae ope” (the rod has never killed anyone), suggesting that corporal punishment helped shape children into responsible adults.
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