In a survey of 10 random citizens in Bulawayo’s CBD, eight out of 10 backed the return of the cane.
An online poll on X (formerly Twitter) drew similar results, with 90 percent in favour of restoring corporal punishment and only 10 percent opposing it.
The comments came thick and fast, many under the blunt rallying cry: “Beat or Teach? ”The call for the rod comes after a string of shocking incidents of juvenile delinquency that have horrified parents and netizens alike.
Early this year, a pupil at Robert Tredgold Primary School unleashed a foul-mouthed tirade at classmates and teachers, spewing words so vulgar they had to be muted in social media uploads.
Last week, in Bulawayo’s western suburbs, a group of boys armed with stones smashed classroom windows saying they were after another school boy who had “snatched their girlfriend. ”“Where is this behaviour coming from?
When we were in school, one lash from the teacher’s strap was enough to straighten you for a term,” fumed Cowdray Park resident Bekezela Nyoni. “The Bible says ‘spare the rod and spoil the child. ’ Beat them, but do not injure them. ”The debate was reignited by a recent incident at SOS Hermann Gmeiner Primary, where a teacher was dragged to court for striking a Grade Three boy’s hand, injuring him badly.
The case split opinion right down the middle.
On Facebook, Rosie Mahlangu blasted the teacher’s actions. “There are other ways of disciplining a child.
That punishment was excessive for just making noise,” she wrote.
Dominic Murairwa agreed. “Never beat learners.
Give them positive punishment.
That is the law of the land. ” But others defended the teacher with equal passion.
Mutipforo, the man pledging US$10 towards her bail, declared:“At least we are actively participating in killing our society in the name of justice and children rights.
I know going forward this teacher will just be passive seeing that her intentions are not rewarded.
The next five years, children going through her class bazaphuma beyi serious nonsense because thina abazali siyambangisa. “Am not a man of means Zekudara but l would love to contribute $10usd towards her 100 usd fine. “Please share her EcoCash number. “0716044706 WhatsApp me. ”Another parent, commenting as Masihle M Mpofu, said: “Feel free to beat my child.
If he or she comes home to complain, I will beat them again. ”Some warned of darker consequences if discipline is not restored. “These young mothers are slowly killing the future generation,” wrote Glenda Ndlovu. “In five years there will be no respectful children left. ”Mxolisi Mahlangu of Nkulumane took a more measured stance: “There is a difference between discipline and abuse.
Let the law return but children should not be beaten until they have marks to show. ”From Emakhandeni, Malanda was blunt: “This Gen Z generation is too disrespectful.
Bring back the cane. ” “Your kid is not taught good manners, please when you die go with them, ngoba uzaba yi-street kid,” declared Masihle M Mpofu. “The parent will regret umntwana esemhlupha esekhulile.
Just wait and see nje ngoba the child is a brat,” Jue Mamoe Mampo observed.
Thandeka Ndlovu said: “Spare the rod and spoil the child. l feel the parent overreacted, every child needs to be disciplined one time or the other & l don’t that a veteran educationist could have been too much that it warranted going to the courts.
Unfortunately it’s the law but parents it’s up to you (sic). ”Brenda Mage Ndlovu issued an ominous warning: “Bazalibetha bonabo abantwana sebekhulile elingafuni betshaywe. yekela sibukele! ”However, even those in favour acknowledge limits.
Southwold resident Macfelis Ncube said: “The law should be reintroduced to keep children in line, but it should be limited to avoid abuse. ”Still, some oppose the move outright. “The law must not return for the safety of children at school,” argued Bradfield’s Mthokozisi Mahlangu.
For many parents, the bigger picture is frightening.
They see discipline slipping away at home and in the classroom, replaced by violent outbursts, vulgar language and defiance.
Social media is littered with videos of uniformed pupils fighting, swearing at teachers or vandalising property — acts once unthinkable in Zimbabwean schools.
And so the call grows louder; bring back the stick, strap and cane, but with clear rules.
The majority believe that without it, the next generation will be harder to teach, harder to guide and far more dangerous to the very society they are supposed to build.
Follow the debate on https://www. facebook. com/share/p/18sTXmZDNB/. 🔗
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