A viral video of prisoners dancing in a South African correctional facility has afforded citizens a glimpse into life behind bars. Certainly, the last thing one expects when contemplating it is music and dancing and the response to the clip has highlighted this.
Although the nation is a hotbed for serious crime life behind bars is far more complicated than housing criminals.
Dancing prisoners raise eyebrows
In the viral clip a large group of inmates in the orange uniforms used by the South African Correctional Services, multiple prisoners can be seen watching those who dance.
Large speaker systems can be seen alongside gazebos and it appears as if this gathering is all above board and supported by the prison. The exact prison remains unknown, although The South African has approached the Department of Correctional Services for comment.
The video was posted to social media with the following caption:
“Your hustling boyfriends are enjoying themselves in prison.” Not a Peace Officer, @StHonorable
Mixed feelings over cheerful occasion
Understandably, the clip has been met with mixed feelings with people debating the concept in the comment section. Take a look at a few responses below:
“They’re having more fun than some people outside.” GT Mabuza, @Lord_GT15
“Life is good.” TWAR___SA🇿🇦, @TwaRSA26
“Happiness is free.” Kofi Dadzie, @Dadzie_Daily
“They’re literally living the life.” Bohlale Mashoene, @B_Margiano
“Sometimes, the struggle to succeed leads people down paths that aren’t worth it.” Ace━tyra, @FloraAcetyra
“I don’t want to have this type of enjoyment. Prison is not a place to be at all.” Allen Escobar, @allenescobar01
The truth about SA prisons
In reality, though, the South African prison system is designed with an eye towards rehabilitating criminals. Inmates are afforded opportunities to upskill themselves, exercise and socialise.
“The department’s overarching objectives are to detain inmates in safe, secure and humane conditions in correctional centres and remand detention facilities; provide sentenced offenders with needs‐based rehabilitation programmes and interventions; and reintegrate offenders into communities as law‐abiding citizens by effectively managing non-custodial sentences and parole.” Statement, Department of Correctional Services
Do you feel this behaviour is appropriate? What would you change?
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