The Western Cape Region hosted its Regional Funda Mzantsi Championship elimination round, at Pollsmoor Management Area from 14 to 15 August 2024, wherein 130 offenders pitted their wits against each other with the goal of qualifying for the upcoming national championship in September.
The championship, which is in its 14th year, provided a platform for offenders, both male and female, from all ten management areas in the Western Cape, to convene to display their literary skill and passion for reading.
In her opening remarks, the acting Deputy Regional Commissioner (DRC), Cornea Mandean-Strydom, used the commemoration of the 30-years of freedom, to encourage participants to use their democratic rights to improve their lives.
She posed thought-provoking questions and statements to the offenders on the perception of freedom. She engaged them specifically on the freedom of choice; freedom of expression; freedom of equality, the right to education and the right to use their language of choice.
“The road to the 30 years of freedom and democracy has not been an easy one, but sometimes the things we want most, are the hardest fought for. The fight for freedom has also shown us that much is possible if you persevere and don’t give up when things become hard,” she said.
The Acting DRC went on to encourage the offenders to use their right to education to move out of a cycle of dependency and to be productive citizens, “Enrich your life and that of your family once you are released. We have a collective responsibility to make the best of the lives we live today, so that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes who helped us have this freedom, are justified,” she said.
Participants were further prompted to recommit themselves to a better life and to play their part in improving the country for the benefit of the next generation. She urged them to enrol for programmes as a means to improve themselves and use education as a stepping stone in their rehabilitation.
Officials who are part of the programme were also acknowledged for their role in ensuring that the Western Cape region, through this major event aligned to offender rehabilitation, is well prepared for the national championship which is hosted in partnership with the National Library and George Municipality. The invaluable contribution of officials in motivating offenders to participate and read was also commended and she encouraged them to continue to grow the campaign.
The Funda Mzantsi project was launched as a concept in the Western Cape and at the time focused on high school learners and started with only six book clubs at selected high schools in Cape Town. The project has since grown and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has been a proud partner since 2010, having firmly established the championship as an annual event in the DCS calendar. The region is exceptionally proud to host the national championship which will take place in George in the Western Cape, from the 23 – 27 September this year.