How Colonialism Deceived Africans to Believe Hitting Children is African Tradition – It is Not!

Following the recent ruling by South Africa's Constitutional Court, affirming that corporal punishment at home is unconstitutional, many parents have voiced their concerns, arguing that this form of discipline is rooted in African culture. However, a closer examination of the data contradicts this belief, revealing that physical discipline is not a product of African traditions but rather has colonial origins. Furthermore, research indicates that physical punishment not only contributes to domestic and community violence but can also impede children's intellectual development.

This issue is not confined to South Africa alone; its adverse consequences transcend generations and borders. Studies show that children exposed to violence within their homes are more likely to become perpetrators or victims of violence as adults. Isabel Magaya, a researcher at the Centre for Child Law at the University of Pretoria, emphasizes this concerning link.

To allay fears of criminal prosecution against parents, Divya Naidoo, Child Protection Programme Manager for Save the Children South Africa, suggests that the focus should be on providing parents with effective programming to teach them alternative disciplinary methods, rather than resorting to punitive measures.

Sonia Vohito of the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children advocates for returning to pre-colonial means of discipline, involving teaching values through storytelling and illustration. Carol Bower of the Quaker Peace Centre supports this perspective, asserting that the practice of physically disciplining children was introduced to the African continent by missionaries, colonizers, and slave traders.

A report by the Africa Child Policy Forum highlights that physical violence is prevalent in African schools, with a majority of children experiencing such violence in countries like Togo, Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal. Notably, a large-scale study in West African countries found that schools where corporal punishment was not practiced had students achieving higher scores on IQ tests. This finding suggests a potential correlation between non-violent disciplinary methods and better educational outcomes.

Wessel van den Berg, who manages a Positive Parenting unit at Sonke Gender Justice, argues that regular exposure to corporal punishment negatively affects children's educational achievements. He emphasizes that the origins of corporal punishment in pre-colonial African societies were exacerbated by the slave trade and colonial influence, which further entrenched this practice.

With the Constitutional Court's ruling, South Africa joins the ranks of countries that have outlawed corporal punishment, becoming the fourth African nation to do so, following South Sudan, Benin, and Tunisia. Advocates hope that promoting non-violent discipline both in schools and at home will help counteract the prevailing culture of violence, including issues such as electoral conflicts and gender-based violence against women.

The financial cost of abuse is also substantial. A 2016 study commissioned by Save the Children in South Africa revealed that violence against children imposed a significant economic burden, costing the country over $15 billion in 2015, equivalent to about 6% of the nation's GDP at the time. Such findings highlight the importance of preventing violence, which is not only a social imperative but also a wise investment with potential social and economic returns.

This issue is not limited to South Africa but is evident in various African countries. For instance, Nigeria and Kenya have reported alarming levels of physical violence against children and the subsequent economic consequences. Even in Namibia, which has ratified international conventions on child rights, a high percentage of children experience corporal punishment in schools, emphasizing the need for non-violent conflict resolution education.

The rise in gender-based violence across many African countries further emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues. It is crucial to initiate comprehensive, well-coordinated public education campaigns alongside legal changes to educate parents and caregivers about alternative, non-violent methods of disciplining children.

Overall, the Constitutional Court's ruling is seen as a significant step toward transforming societal behaviors and curbing violence. By implementing change now, South Africa aims to become a less violent society in the future. This approach not only benefits children but society as a whole.