Tinotenda Hove – Growing concerns over learner indiscipline, drug abuse and declining classroom control have reignited debate among teachers, with unions calling for the reinstatement of corporal punishment in Zimbabwean schools despite its continued prohibition by law.

Teacher representatives argue that since the banning of corporal punishment, educators have been left with limited authority to enforce discipline, particularly as cases of drug and substance abuse emerge among learners as young as 14.

Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union (ZRTU) president Martin Chaburumunda said the absence of corporal punishment has weakened discipline structures in schools and left teachers vulnerable when addressing misconduct.

“The banning of corporal punishment has caused discipline issues to rise in schools,” said Chaburumunda. “Discipline is a cornerstone of education. Moderate disciplinary measures are necessary in schools.”

He warned that rising drug and substance abuse presents a serious challenge that teachers are struggling to confront. “We have a new problem of drug and substance abuse in schools, and with no teacher control over learners, it will be difficult to fight it,” he said.
According to Chaburumunda, fear of legal or rights-based repercussions has made teachers hesitant to act firmly. “Right now, teachers are treading very cautiously when reprimanding learners because they fear being accused of infringing on pupils’ rights,” he added.

Echoing similar concerns, Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) Manicaland provincial coordinator Charles Musembwa said the government failed to provide practical alternatives when corporal punishment was outlawed.

Musembwa said learners have become increasingly aware that they face limited consequences for misconduct. He lamented that pupils now “know they can misbehave with impunity,” including engaging in dangerous and risky behaviour.

However, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has firmly rejected any move to reintroduce corporal punishment. Addressing school heads in Mutare recently, Minister Torerai Moyo warned that any teacher found beating learners would face severe consequences.

“Let me remind you that corporal punishment is still outlawed. No learner should be beaten at school,” said Moyo.

Drawing from his own experience, the minister acknowledged once using corporal punishment but said his views had since changed. “I have been a teacher myself, and I used to beat a lot of learners. Upon reflection later on in life, I realised it was wrong to beat them. I do not remember beating my own children,” he said.

Moyo said those advocating for the return of corporal punishment should pursue legal channels rather than violating existing regulations. “Those who feel corporal punishment should be restored are free to petition Parliament, stating their reasons, but as of now, it is banned,” he said.

Instead, the minister urged school authorities to focus on early intervention and support mechanisms. “Headmasters, as leaders, identify those learners who have a habit of partaking in drugs so that remedial action is taken,” Moyo said.

The Ministry recently reinforced its stance through new guidelines that categorically prohibit physical punishment in schools. The regulations emphasize protecting learners’ dignity and encourage alternative disciplinary approaches such as counselling, guided reflection and behaviour management programs.

Teachers who defy the ban risk disciplinary action and possible criminal charges, as the government maintains that discipline must be enforced without violence.