Jerusalema Challenge: SA reacts to inmates participating in movement

Jerusalema Challenge: SA reacts to inmates participating in movement

- President Cyril Ramaphosa may have encouraged the entire nation to participate in the Jerusalema Challenge but this incident has prompted debate

- A clip shared by the Presidency revealed prisoners taking part in the challenge on Heritage Day

- While some saw no issue with the inmates participating, others felt the prison system in SA is far too relaxed

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A clip of prison inmates participating in the Jerusalema Challenge has prompted some debate in Mzansi.

The video was shared by the Presidency as part of Cyril Ramaphosa's effort to spread some unity on Heritage Day.

The clip revealed inmates, clad in their orange uniforms, giving Master KG's hit sensation their best shot.

Jerusalema Challenge: SA reacts to inmates participating in movement
The clip was shared by the Presidency as part of the Jerusalema Challenge. Image: @PresidencyZA/ Twitter
Source: UGC

This sparked fierce debate between citizens over the prison system in South Africa. Some argued that jail was meant to rehabilitate inmates and that there was no issue with the men participating in the challenge.

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Others were not amused, insisting that prisoners are living essentially free with access to phones, TVs, and really anything their hearts desired as long as they could pay bribes.

The majority of responses were overwhelmingly negative, considering the high levels of crime in SA. Many felt repulsed by the idea that the same criminals who terrorised communities were able to enjoy themselves behind bars.

Take a look at just a few responses to the post below:

@RealLwaziMsomi: "South African prisons should be added to holiday destinations because there isn't anything you don't get here. There's TV, there are 3 meals a day and clothes. Talk about luxury living for criminals who're supposed to be punished."
@denise_c_m: "At a time when the country is crime-ridden, you decide this is appropriate! Celebrate criminals."
@OdwaGxumisa: "Cyril can you please tackle GBV, SASSA grants and human trafficking issues. We don't care about the challenge yeva. Our sisters are disappearing. I lost a cousin this weekend. Show some compassion. I know you don't care about this as you won't be able to loot from this."

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Ramaphosa wants SA to join Jerusalema Challenge on Heritage Day

@DerekSmithDurbs: "How out of touch can this government be? In today’s climate of rampant crime, CyrilRamaphosa and ANC choose to post this specific clip? Unbelievable."
@Tammy_Leyds: "This is sickening, you could have posted the frontline workers or the law-abiding citizens of South Africa! Yassis our government sucks!"

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that #VoetsekANC was once again trending as citizens lamented the sorry state of affairs in the country.

With corruption rife and unemployment high, the virtual protest is becoming a weekly gathering of those who are dissatisfied with the ruling party.

The Covid-19 pandemic has only served to highlight the numerous failings of the state at the worst possible point in time.

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Source: Briefly News

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