“Police record? Who cares. Drug habit? Join the club. Alcoholic? Don’t get me started. If I can’t find anyone before Xmas, I won’t have a business after Xmas.”
The programme will not be a once-off and they hope to continue giving people the option of clearing their records. “No-one needs to be ashamed of their past.”
At least 400 000 South Africans have been arrested for offences ranging from not wearing masks to allegedly breaking curfew. For many who paid the fine, their troubles are just beginning.