Community members are encouraged to join local book clubs and embrace the joy of reading through the annual Funda Mzantsi Competition, a literacy initiative designed to promote a culture of reading while supporting social reintegration.

The competition offers participants an opportunity to connect with fellow readers, discover new books and contribute to building stronger, more informed communities.

Library cadet and founder of the Checkmate Book Club, Nkosana “Checkmate” Radebe, says many people are unaware of the programme despite its positive impact on communities.

Radebe coordinates reading sessions at Bakerton Library every Tuesday from 11:00 to 12:00. Through his book club, he promotes a culture of reading and prepares members to participate in the Funda Mzantsi Championships.

“The mandate of our book club is to cultivate a culture of reading amongst citizens. This is in response to a 2007 reading survey conducted by the South African Book Development Council, which found that South Africa is not a reading nation. That is something we are working hard to change,” Radebe said.

The Funda Mzantsi project was initiated by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) through its outreach unit and the Centre for the Book to help communities establish book clubs.

In 2010, the NLSA expanded the initiative by launching the annual Funda Mzantsi Championships, where book clubs are assessed on their reading and comprehension skills. Book clubs wishing to compete must first register with the NLSA.

Participants are evaluated in several literacy-related activities, including impromptu reading, book reviews, spelling bees and debates. Radebe explained the various objectives the competition serves.

“The Funda Mzantsi Championships aim to enhance the value chain of writing, publishing and reading in all of South Africa’s official languages.

“The competition also helps to build creative minds through reading, improve book-reviewing skills, preserve indigenous languages and celebrate books written by local authors,” he said.

He added that the initiative encourages continuous reading while helping sustain established book clubs across the country.

To qualify, book clubs must have an official name, be recognised by a Gauteng community library and ensure that members hold active library memberships.

Clubs are expected to meet at least once or twice a month and participate in various literacy activities.

Radebe highlighted the success of the Checkmate Book Club, stating that its members have performed exceptionally well in previous competitions.

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“All former Checkmate Book Club members won laptops, cellphones, medals and trophies at last year’s Gauteng district and municipal competition held at the Kagiso Library Information Services and Archives.

“The provincial and national champions also came from the Checkmate Book Club,” he said proudly.
Radebe believes more residents should take advantage of the initiative and join local book clubs.

“Many people still don’t know about this opportunity. Book clubs not only improve reading and comprehension skills, but they also open doors to exciting opportunities and personal development,” he said.

The annual Funda Mzantsi Competition takes place every September in George, Western Cape, and is funded by Library and Information Services (LIS) in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

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