The Gauteng Region has unveiled its top 50 offenders who will represent the region at the prestigious National Funda Mzantsi Championship in George later this year. The announcement followed an energetic three-day contest, hosted from 26 to 28 August 2025 at Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area, where 212 offenders from across the region showcased their skills in reading, comprehension, and interpretation.
The Funda Mzantsi initiative, a partnership between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the National Library of South Africa, and various stakeholders, has become a flagship programme for promoting literacy and rehabilitation behind bars. For participants, the competition is more than a battle of books; it is an opportunity to reshape identities, restore confidence, and prepare for reintegration into society.
A keynote rooted in reflection and hope
Delivering the keynote address, Gauteng Regional Commissioner, Mr Luckyboy Mathiba reflected on the symbolic timing of the event.
“As we celebrate this competition in August, we cannot overlook the significance of Women’s Month. We honour the women who marched in 1956 with the words: ‘You strike a woman, you strike a rock.’ “At the same time, we must confront the painful reality that many women still face gender-based violence. Reading competitions like Funda Mzantsi allow us to introduce new stories of respect, equality, and dignity. Literature can challenge harmful beliefs and inspire empathy. Education is not only about academic growth but also about building a society free from abuse,” he said.
RC Mathiba went on to encourage male participants in particular to embrace the transformative power of knowledge. Rehabilitation, he stressed, must go beyond compliance with correctional programmes and instead be about genuine character change that translates into safer communities.
A platform for growth
Adjudicators praised the calibre of competition, noting the confidence, posture, and depth of expression displayed by participants. Speaking on behalf of the panel, Ms Thandeka Legae from Rand West City Library applauded offenders for their growth and resilience.
“Our participants did very well, and we were fair in our adjudication. Thank you to the Department of Correctional Services for affording us this opportunity. This is not just a competition – it is about confidence, posture, and expression. I encourage you to keep reading, to inspire your families and children at home, and to carry Gauteng’s spirit with pride. You have the support of everyone in our Region,” she said.
Other stakeholders, including Ms Lindiwe Maepa from ML Consulting Services and Mr Vonani Baloi from the Library and Archives, shared messages of encouragement and support. Their presence reinforced the importance of partnerships in sustaining literacy initiatives within correctional facilities.
Preparing for the national stage
In her remarks, Gauteng Deputy Regional Commissioner Monica Makhani acknowledged the collective effort that had made the event a success, from officials and adjudicators to libraries and external partners. She urged the 50 finalists to refine their skills in preparation for the national stage.
“As we prepare for the national stage, let us polish our skills, train hard, and excel. We believe in you and know you will represent Gauteng with excellence,” she said, closing her address on a note of encouragement and pride.
The event also honoured Mr Victor Nkabinde from Modderbee Correctional Centre, who is retiring after years of dedicated service. His farewell message was a call for officials to remain steadfast in upholding respect as a guiding principle in their work.
Carrying the Region’s hopes
As Gauteng’s 50 finalists set their sights on George, they carry not only the hopes of their Region but also the broader mission of Funda Mzantsi: to use literature as a tool for rehabilitation, transformation, and social change.
Their journey underscores a powerful truth, that education and storytelling can break the cycle of crime and restore dignity. In George, they will compete for national honours, but win or lose, they will stand as living proof that reading can indeed reshape lives.