The new hard-hitting prison reality show premiered on Tuesday evening documenting the intense journey of seeking forgiveness as ex-offenders approach victims or victims’ families for forgiveness.
The 13 part docu-series will unpack the stories of the perpetrators as they take accountability for their actions by apologising to their victims. Setting the tone for the dialogue will be the victim, recalling the dreadful events that changed their lives.
Viewers will relive the incident which resulted in the offender being jailed through a re-enactment. The offender then proceeds to write a letter to the victim or victim’s family expressing their desire to meet with them. Once both parties agree to meet face-to-face, mediation will occur under the guidance of trained Correctional Services facilitators and social workers.
The first episode left viewers impressed and some teary-eyed. They took to Twitter to express their emotions:
me watching #YobeMzansi pic.twitter.com/UBS48CngXx
— Tiyani Mongwe (@mongwetiyi) April 10, 2018
This looks like it's going to be deep#YobeMzansi pic.twitter.com/3DPMK00ZTi
— Brienne of Tarth (@rabo_mosoeu) April 10, 2018
I'm not strong for this show ???????????????????????? #YobeMzansi pic.twitter.com/j1pEIlHEz6
— NTOMBO (@gugulisious) April 10, 2018
#YobeMzansi
Wow!!
My heart is shattered. This is too deep. This takes bravery and courage, humbleness and meekness. Imagine facing the devil himself then, having in your heart to forgive. Now, that's Real. #SUNCITYESCAPE pic.twitter.com/nuHkPdeUlm— Boity M ???? (@QuinnBoity) April 10, 2018
#YobeMzansi
Can we all just give a Round of applause to u'Bab Siyabonga for creating our own stories like Yobe phela we are tired of Ch171 and American stories????????????????????????Well done Baba!!! pic.twitter.com/svAbiH8zti— Reitumetse Makua (@RMK_SA1) April 10, 2018
#YobeMzansi hope I don't cry… pic.twitter.com/gxapuMLkOj
— ANAzY (@Owa_Mabaso) April 10, 2018
#YobeMzansi Two minutes into da show and I'm already feeling all kinds of emotional????????
— Lethabo (@Lethabo82191015) April 10, 2018
#YobeMzansi great idea but very touchy and painful. For some reason I felt like he's my own dad ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/qFWWx99Xy7
— ELTON SHONHIWA (@Elton_Shonhiwa) April 10, 2018
Shout out to mzansi what a relevant show. Many victims want answers in what happened in order for them to heal. @Mzansimagic#yobemzansi pic.twitter.com/6TMVVtTIPP
— That???? Cool ????Guy (@Sabelo_waka_God) April 10, 2018
Is it possible to heal wounds caused by the devastation of crime through a victim-and-offender dialogue? Tune into Mzansi Magic channel 161 every Tuesday at 20.00.