Munier has a confession to make. He has given his laaitie an occasional klap.
Not a full-blooded snotklap across the face - he’s just a naughty seven-year-old boy.
But on the backside, or on those little handjies that are prone to vangingon th e grootste kattekwaad.
And not out of anger, or to bully, inflict pain and trauma on the child.
But to discipline and reinforce the principle that there are consequences for bad behaviour.
Also to instill good old-fashioned respect, and a healthy fear for the rules and authority.
After all, this is how Munier grew up: belt and sloffie hiding at home; six of the best with a teacher’s cane/ruler at school; and a rottang pak at madressa.
Spare the rod and spoil the child, mos.
Look, it’s never a lekker feeling giving your laaitie a pak slae, you tell yourself it’s for their own good.
But Munier has pondered whether spanking perpetuates violence in our already violent society.
Do children understand the difference between punishment and abuse?
And does it send the message to children - and their children - that violence in the home is OK?
Most people aged 40+ will tell you hidings were a part of growing up and “look at me, I turned out fine”.
Many also believe prohibiting corporal punishment back in 1996 is where it all went wrong for our youth.
And the reason why this young generation is disrespectful, lazy and undisciplined is because “children have too many rights these days”.
Well, one of those rights got upheld in the Constitutional Court this week.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng ruled that spanking was against the Constitution’s Sections 10 and 12.
MADE THE RULING: Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng
The court said physically disciplining children violates their rights and that the protection of kids from all forms of violence is critical in the context of high levels of violence against children.
Basically, any act that harms a child’s right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation is unlawful and unconstitutional.
The court added that “there are effective ways to discipline children without the use of corporal punishment”.
Well, then please advise what these effective methods are.
Because Munier has tried talking, talking again, and then again... grounding, threats, depriving them of their favourite activities... and hidings, as a last resort.
Maar niks werk nie.
taariq.halim@inl.co.za