The Inkatha Freedom says the teacher who forced a Grade 3 learner at Daluxolo Primary School in KwaMashu to undress in front of his classmates as a punishment for making noise must be fired once and for all. This pupil ‘abuse’ teacher must be dealt with accordingly.
“To discipline a learner is an attitude, character, responsibility and commitment of a teacher. Undressing a learner is definitely not a corrective measure. Imposing such a punishment is a total violation of child rights, and more likely it may accelerate the risk of child abuse.
Tampering with a child’s dignity is against the law as well as the Constitution. This is completely inappropriate and goes against everything the parents have taught their children about privacy, and keeping their bodies safe from others,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Education, Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa MPL.
“This incident vindicates us as the IFP because we have been calling for a robust debate on effective but legal forms of learner discipline in schools. We need to have this debate because corporal punishment is not allowed in schools but teachers are using methods of punishment because the Department of Education failed to provide proper disciplinary alternatives to teachers.
Discussion is needed about how children can be effectively disciplined and taught moral values that make up the fabric of this country.
Children need discipline. But there should be alternatives for effective discipline, and our focus should be on developing those alternatives,” continued Mrs Madlopha Mthethwa.
“We demand that action must be taken against bully teachers. Schools principals must not condone any form of bullying by teachers. We urge them to be vocal and act against any form of child abuse in their schools. They must take necessary action against their colleagues without fear of favour,” conclude Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
Issued by:
Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Education
079 114 3015