Ending corporal punishment in Namibia
A bright future for education
In recent years, Namibia has been making remarkable strides in its education system, pushing for inclusivity, equality and modernisation. Yet, there persists an outdated and contentious practice in some of its schools: Corporal punishment. This practice, involving the physical punishment of learners as a form of discipline, begs for a thorough re-evaluation in the context of Namibian education.
Corporal punishment is a divisive issue, with proponents arguing that it instils discipline and respect in learners, while opponents maintain that it is not only ineffective but also detrimental to a child's physical and psychological well-being.
It is crucial to scrutinise both sides of the argument and question whether Namibian schools can afford to cling to this antiquated method.
The legal framework
All Namibians are guaranteed respect for human dignity under Article 8 of the constitution. According to this document, the dignity of every person shall be unassailable.
The Basic Education Act 3 of 2020 defines physical punishment as any disciplinary measure administered by a teacher or school administration to a learner, including torturing or subjecting the learner to cruel, inhuman or humiliating treatment or punishment.
Section 8 (2) (c) specifies a provision that forbids physical or mental initiating practices against learners, defining physical violence as any measure that causes bodily injury, including corporal punishment.
In a notable case, Ex Parte: Attorney-General, it was established that corporal punishment in government schools in Namibia was unconstitutional.
Ethical concerns
The ineffectiveness of corporal punishment must be acknowledged, as research overwhelmingly shows that this form of discipline fails to deter undesirable behaviour in the long-term. Instead, it may escalate aggression and resentment, hindering the development of a safe and conducive learning environment.
If the goal is to foster responsible and well-behaved citizens, it is essential to adopt alternative, evidence-based disciplinary methods that focus on teaching problem-solving, empathy and responsibility.
Moreover, in a country that aspires to protect and nurture its youth, subjecting them to physical harm in the name of discipline contradicts the principles of child rights and welfare. Corporal punishment raises serious ethical concerns, as it risks compromising a child's physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to lasting emotional trauma.
Namibia is also a signatory to international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against children, including corporal punishment.
Complying with these commitments is not only a moral obligation, but also crucial for the nation's international reputation and standing.
Alternative disciplinary methods
Many countries around the world have successfully banned corporal punishment in schools and have witnessed positive results in terms of improved learner behaviour and academic outcomes.
These countries have adopted alternative disciplinary methods - such as restorative justice, conflict resolution and counselling, which focus on addressing the root causes of misbehaviour and teaching learners’ valuable life skills.
Namibia has demonstrated its commitment to modernising its education system by implementing inclusive policies and curriculum reforms. It is now time to take a bold step forward by eliminating corporal punishment from its schools. This move would send a powerful message that Namibia prioritises the well-being and future prospects of its learners, aligning its educational practices with international human rights standards.
In conclusion, there are numerous effective alternatives available, and it is incumbent upon Namibian educational institutions to embrace them.
By doing so, Namibia can further enhance its reputation as a nation that values and invests in the education and well-being of its future generations, where discipline and respect coexist harmoniously in its classrooms.
**Samuel Shinedima is a legal scholar, journalist and businessman.