The crème de la crème bibliophiles from nine provinces converged in George, Western Cape Region to showcase their prowess at the 14th edition of National Funda Mzantsi Championship (FMC) from 23 to 27 September 2024.
This flagship event is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), National Library of South Africa (NLSA) and George Municipality to promote literacy skills, and is an important intervention towards the rehabilitation of offenders.
The 2024 instalment of this vibrant reading competition was graced by 297 inmates from all six regions, and hundreds of participants attached to various book clubs from communities and academics institutions, went toe-to-toe in debate, spelling bee, book reviews and reading in eleven official languages.
Braille (patterns of raised dots that are felt with fingertips for blind and visually impaired people) made its debut at this year’s instalment, signalling the organisers’ plans to introduce South African Sign Language (SASL) in future.
The week-long competition coincided with Heritage Day and had competitors adorned in various traditional attires showcasing South Africa’s rich traditional diversity, and crowing the occasion by engaging in a debate on the topic: “traditional culture and human rights are compatible”.
Delivering the keynote address at the FMC closing ceremony, Correctional Services Deputy Minister, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali said, “let us make sure we recognize the immense value of the literacy programme that is provided by our correctional facilities and pay homage to those who are keeping the light burning. This initiative is instrumental in restoring the dignity of the offenders, bringing hope and sense of purpose. Books offer inmates an opportunity to reflect on the past and imagine the future.
The Deputy Minister further urged community members to welcome offenders with warm hands when they are placed on parole or after completing their sentences. “We must prepare a fertile ground so that as they land back home, there is something they can do so they can feel as part of the community again,” she added. She further highlighted the lucrative economic spin-offs for the local community of George who benefit from the annual hosting of this much-acclaimed reading competition.
The Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Christ Niseen said the debate topic resonates deeply, and challenges South Africans in their diversity to find harmony between their rich culture, heritage and universal principles of human rights. The involvement of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has further enriched the dialogue, demonstrating our collective commitment to ensure that cultural practices uphold the dignity and rights of every individual in this country
Kepi Madumo, Chief Executive Officer of NLSA remarked that one of the highlights of this year’s championship is the historic moment that saw contestants from the visually impaired community participating in book reading, spelling bee, book reviews and debates. Platforms like Funda Mzantsi empowers young people to express their voices and sharpen their critical thinking skills to engage with the world around them.
The official audited results will be released in due course.