The challenges of alternative effective measures to corporal punishment to enhance Teacher-Learner Relationship, in the O.R.Tambo Inland Education District

The challenges of alternative effective measures to corporal punishment to enhance Teacher-Learner Relationship, in the O.R.Tambo Inland Education District

Nikho Fayindlala & Theodore Nkadimeng Mahosi

Issue: Vol. 7 No. 7 2026 Article 5 pp. 761 – 774
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026775 Published online 21st September 2026.

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ABSTRACT

This paper explores “the challenges of alternative effective measures to corporal punishment to enhance teacher-learner relationship, in the O.R. Tambo Inland Education District”. The authors focused on how the abolition of corporal punishment has affected classroom discipline, teacher morale, and overall learning dynamics. They interrogated the reasons for the abolition and the implications within the teaching-learning environment. Using a qualitative research methodology, the paper employed a case study design and a descriptive approach to capture the experiences of teachers, learners, parents, and community members regarding classroom management and discipline since corporal punishment was abolished in South African schools. The authors collected data from 14 participants in three selected senior secondary schools through semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The findings reveal that while the abolition of corporal punishment was intended to align educational policies with democratic values and global human rights principles, this has presented significant disciplinary challenges, such as increased learner misconduct and aggression, which have adversely affected teacher morale, learner discipline, and class management, parental disengagement, and home discipline. The paper found that the absence of effective alternative disciplinary strategies has left teachers struggling to maintain discipline in the classroom and the broader school environment. The participants strongly advocate for interventions from the Department of Education, targeted professional development programmes and training in evidence-based but non-violent disciplinary approaches. This paper recommends policy adjustments and comprehensive teacher support initiatives to improve classroom discipline and the teacher-learner relationship for a more conducive teacher-learner environment.

Keywords: Corporal Punishment, Alternative Measures, Teacher-Learner Relationship, Comprehensive Teacher Support

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AUTHOR(S)

Nikho Fayindlala is a Master of Education Candidate in the Department of Continuing Professional Teacher Development, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa.

Dr. Theodore Nkadimeng Mahosi is a senior lecturer in the Department of Humanities and Creative Arts Education (HCAE), Faculty of Education at iYuniversity Walter Sisulu (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive, Mthatha. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in History. He writes book chapters and journal articles in the field of History, education, rural community development, traditional affairs, African History and Politics/International Affairs. He has worked as a Commissioner of the Limpopo Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims (CTLDC) (2012-2017). He assists in resolving in traditional leadership disputes and claims, and land claims. He also worked as a Planner in the Directorate of Monitoring and Evaluation at the University of South Africa (2020-2022). He is currently a member of the Limpopo Province Geographic Names Committee (LPGNC), the Limpopo Province Archival Advisory Committee (LPAAC) and the Chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC).

TO CITE ARTICLE

Fayindlala, Nikho, and Theodore Nkadimeng Mahosi. “The challenges of alternative effective measures to corporal punishment to enhance Teacher-Learner Relationship, in the O.R. Tambo Inland Education District.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 7, no.7 (2026): 497 – 510. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026775