Let remorseful ‘Jub Jub’ start over after tragedy
MOLEMO “Jub Jub” Maarohanye has been released from prison on parole after serving four of his eight years for the “accident” that led to the deaths of four children. Others who survived sustained permanent injuries.
The release of Jub Jub and his friend Themba Shabalala caused a social media storm. What stood out was the sharp differences in the slew of opinions.
Some welcomed him with open arms, while other members of society questioned the reasoning behind his release on parole.
Parole is given to inmates who have shown a change in behaviour after a prescribed number of years.
I have a string of questions – but they need no answers. Who are we to hold him culpable when the law has declared him a changed man? Who are we to point a finger at him if family members of the deceased victims have built bridges towards him?
He has also released an apology song. But one may ask is the song an appropriate way to show remorse? Well, is it inappropriate for an artist to use his or her craft to convey how they feel? Then again, is the song a way to cash in on the situation?
If Jub Jub and Tshabalala have really been rehabilitated then what purpose would be served by keeping them inside prison?
The apology in my opinion shows a repentant individual who is seeking a fresh start to life. — Samkelo Latakisa, via e-mail
As for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the few times she has appeared on television I have nearly fallen asleep.
This country just cannot weather another Zuma. One has already caused enough damage. We cannot risk another! — DJ Michau, Gonubie factional interests that have paralysed our leaders from acting in the interest of the people of that community.
Intra-regional politics extending to the province continue to affect our ability to govern effectively whenever we are – even on the eve of conferences as is the case in Amathole and the upcoming provincial conference.
An atmosphere of anarchy has been permitted to thrive as long as it advantages the chances of securing the ultimate victory. Meanwhile personal interests supercede the objectives we have set out for the organisation at the behest of our people.
The very same intra-regional and provincial politics led the ANC to lose Nelson Mandela Bay.
Our deeds in that region became a source for our failures and the bad choices we made inevitably informed the consequent responses which are in the main designed to ensure we reflect and rectify our present actions.
The onus is therefore on our leaders to provide lasting solutions in Mnquma as the actions of our deployees and officials in that municipality have far-reaching implications for the governing party and particularly the people of Mnquma.
The ANC emerged from the local government elections weakened in its electorate support. We have thus resolved to reflect on the causes of our decline and subsequently alter the conduct that brings about such a negative result. However, our actions in respect of Mnquma go against that spirit and instead embolden the ongoing negative perceptions. — Ayanda Xo tyeni, ANCYL Douglas Sparks chair, via email