Offenders participate in regional Funda Mzantsi Championship in Bethal
The championship had about 45 men and women competing. High profile offenders were excluded.
Offenders belonging to book clubs in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West region competed in the regional Funda Mzantsi Championship that was hosted in a two-day event by the Department of Correctional Services.
The 11th Funda Mzantsi Championship was held on September 22 and 23 and saw offenders reading books as well as book reviews in six official indigenous languages.
The championship had about 45 men and women competing. High profile offenders were excluded.
Rules are that book clubs had to be registered with the NLSA (National Library of South Africa). Members of the book club had to be 15 years and older.
For offender Nomfundo Sambo, joining the book club has helped her kill time while being in prison.
“I have learnt new things. It has helped me to be able to summarise books in my own language SiSwati,” said Sambo.
She said that having a book club in prison is important to her and that she motivates other offenders to join a book club.
“The book club helps those who do not know how to read. We teach each other,” said Sambo.
Offender Tefo Mathenga from Rooigrond, said: “I was just passing time. As time went on I realised I can learn something from this.”
The project is led by the offices of DCS’ Development and Care in partnership with the South African National Library’s Centre for Books as part of instilling the culture of learning, reading and writing among the offenders who are under the care of Correctional Services.
Ms Modi Vuyisa, who was an adjudicator, gave participants advice on how they could shine during the championships.
She told participants things that adjudicators look at when scoring a participant.
Participants were told not to waste time on long introductions, to read until the bell rang and to always poise self-confidence when participating.
When delivering keynotes, Ms Ruth Letsoalo, encouraged participants to take reading seriously as it has the power to reposition them in life.
“We have libraries set at various Correctional Centers, continue using these libraries to sharpen your reading skills,” said Ms Letsoalo.
She told participants and officials involved to prepare thoroughly for the competition and to give their rivals “tough times”.
“We know you are winners and we believe that this year you will come back with all the accolades,” said Ms Letsoalo.
Ms Tebello Mahlangu, regional coordinator of education and training for the correctional services, said: “We promote reading and encourage offenders to also write books and poems.”
“The championships continues to grow every year. When we began, there were only a few offenders taking part but with time it has grown,” said Ms Mahlangu.
The session managed to select 15 participants who excelled during the selection.
The region will be represented by the following:
Sepedi: Lerato Maenetja, Dorothy Makwana and Manoko Matjila.
Setswana: Pontso Tlhabane, Mathenga Tefo and Amos Moriri.
Tshivenda: Mashudu Ratshili, Tendamudzimu Ndonyane and Oscar Nemudzivhadi.
IsiNdebele: Sara Jiyani.
IsiSwati: Thabo Masina, Nkosi Sabelo and Sindiswa Mnisi.
Xitsonga: Batlile Maseko
