Bethal hosts event to select offenders for national Funda Mzantsi finals

50 offenders earned their place to compete at the national championships in George later this month.

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prison wardens look at art pieces — Bethal Management Area acting area commissioner Mzwamakhaya Dlepu and LMN regional commissioner Tlabo Thokolo visit an exhibition stall showcasing artwork crafted by offenders. Photo: Supplied

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) concluded its three-day 16th Funda Mzantsi selections at Bethal Correctional Centre on August 27, bringing together 101 offenders from across the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) Region.

The annual programme forms part of the department’s rehabilitation and reintegration strategy, using literacy and educational activities to develop confidence, communication skills and critical thinking among offenders.

A total of 20 women and 81 men competed in debate, spelling bee, book reading and book review categories during the event.

Following the selections, 50 participants were chosen to represent the LMN Region at the 16th Funda Mzantsi National Championship, which will be held in George from September 28 to October 2.

LMN Regional Commissioner Tlabo Thokolo, Deputy Regional Commissioner Nhlelela Sono and acting Regional Head of Incarceration, Corrections and Rehabilitation Christian Vosloo attended the closing ceremony.

a man in correctional services uniform speaks over a microphone. — Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) regional commissioner Tlabo Thokolo addresses the audience during the 16th Funda Mzantsi regional selection. Photo: Supplied.

Addressing participants, Thokolo praised the high standard of performances and encouraged the successful finalists to become worthy ambassadors for the region while continuing to invest in their education and personal development.

He also thanked all participants for voluntarily embracing the opportunities provided through the programme, describing their involvement as a positive step towards rehabilitation and self-improvement.

Every participant received a certificate, and the Regional Commissioner and the Deputy Regional Commissioner led the presentations.

The ceremony ended in celebration as participants expressed their gratitude through singing and dancing.

Through initiatives such as Funda Mzantsi, DCS continues to strengthen its rehabilitation approach by creating opportunities for offenders to acquire knowledge, develop positive skills and build a foundation for responsible citizenship and successful reintegration into communities.