Uyajola 9/9: Some viewers think SA does not need a ‘Cheaters’ remake

Jub-Jub has found his way back to the tip of many South Africans mouths. Two days after his new show, Uyajola 9/9 premiered on Moja Love, channel 154 on DStv, the topic is still trending.

South Africa’s favourite archar sauce and men running away from the possible sight of Jub-Jub have all become the memes of the week.

Uyajola 9/9: What is the show about?

This is after viewers were shaken by the events they watched unfold in the former rapper’s new show. Uyajola 9/9 is a carbon copy of the classic US reality TV show, Cheaters.

Related: Uyajola 9/9: Jub Jub launches SA’s very own ‘Cheaters’ show

Jub-Jub allows frustrated partners the opportunity to find out if his or her other half is a cheater or not. The show follows an intensive investigation into the shady movements of the suspected partner.

Once all the evidence has been collected, it is the host’s responsibility to break the bad news to the concerned partner. In the last two episodes, we saw a man whose wife of many years has been cheating on him make threats to the lover.

South Africans’ thoughts on the new trending show

For some viewers, broadcasting this form of violence in a society as volatile as South Africa can be quite dangerous. Popular Radio 702 host, Eusebius McKaiser ran a segment where he asked viewers to share their thoughts on the impacts of this show.

‘It targets low-income communities for a reason’

One caller criticised the show’s perceived notion of targeting low-income communities to spur violence and heartbreak.

Related: Phelo Mtala: Convicted triple murderer escapes from Wynberg High Court

“We must really be careful when television is made at the expense of people. I am wondering if they can do that with a higher LSM when there is a chance of them being sued. I am also wondering if they are getting into poorer households because they know there won’t be any consequences to the conduct that they have,” she said.

‘No professional help offered for broken relationships’

Another caller criticised the producers of the show for only caring about ratings and not providing restorative assistance to the affected families.

“It is an abuse of power. They make it seem like they are helping the community. After they left, absolutely nothing happened. They didn’t even help with social workers. We want to take it up; they made the situation worse. There is no ethical consideration with what they do,” Mpho said.

For the show’s host, the show may be entertaining to watch but concerns ought to be raised about the psychological impact this has on the participants.

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“There is no psychosocial support, there are no lawyers around; it is just very raw. The cheaters are found and I think to myself what happens when Jub Jub is gone. What happens when he leaves the scene?” McKaiser asked.

Uyajola 9/9 airs every Sunday from 21:00 on DStv, channel 157.