'First discipline camp in Africa’ defends use of force after viral video sparks outrage

A local NPO touting itself as "the first and original discipline camp in Africa" has defended itself against allegations of heavy-handedness towards its 'clients.'

A video posted on the Rising Stars Generation TikTok account garnered 2.4 million views, and shows a young man being dragged in handcuffs to the camp by several staff members.

The youth is later seen speaking to the camera and sharing his story, explaining how attending the camp has changed his life and helped him get clean from drugs.

In a voicenote to CapeTalk's Good Morning Cape Town show, camp founder Prince Motlou said it was sometimes necessary to use force when individuals were under the influence of drugs.

"That child has too much power, he was fighting with us... so the only way was to put him in cuffs. He was trying to run away."

Motlou said the video showed the young man' transformation.

"It shows harshness, but at the end it shows positiveness," he said.

But there were some who call into question the force used by the organisation.

Patric Solomon is the director of Molo Songololo, a registered non-profit organisation that promotes the rights and protection of children and youth.

He said the video was very disturbing.

"These kinds of camps are often very authoritarian and aggressive."

He said the organisation "forces" change.

"Force is the operative word."

Solomon said that some parents feel so helpless in dealingwith their delinquent or drug-addicted children that they find no alternative but to call on outside help.

"That doesn't make it right," said Solomon.

You cannot do that to a person, he said, adding that the treatment seen in the video was illegal.

He said the approach taken by Molo Songololo focused more on empowerment.

To listen to Patric Solomon in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click on the audio player below: