Offenders competing in the Free State and Northern Cape Funda Mzantsi regional competition describe the event as life-changing – instilling discipline and inspiring optimism as they prepare for release as transformed citizens.
The region hosted the competition at Bizzah Makhate Management Area from 25 to 27 August 2026, supported by the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Department of Education, and Sol Plaatjie University.
Regional Commissioner Praises Dedication
Regional Commissioner (RC), Ms Subashini Moodley praised officials and offenders for their commitment over the years.
“The Funda Mzantsi Championship has grown from strength to strength thanks to your zeal, persistence and hard work,” RC Moodley said.
She welcomed collaboration under the District Development Model: “We see sister departments, state entities, the private sector and civic formations supporting initiatives to build a reading nation.”
Ms Moodley noted the increased participation of librarians as adjudicators: “Reading for Redemption is meaningless without librarians. We must empower and grow Library Services.”
She encouraged participants with words from Langston Hughes: “I began to believe in nothing but books and the wonderful world in books.”
“Many of you have used books to visit places, experience cultures and understand history – this shows how powerful books are,” she added.
The RC concluded with a quote by TIM S. Grover: “Being the best means engineering your life so you never stop until you get what you want, and then you keep going until you get what’s next.”
A Platform for Hope and Restoration
Ms Mehlape Ntlou, Acting Deputy Chief Education Specialist from the Department of Basic Education, delivered the Fezile Dabi District Director’s message of support.
“Funda Mzantsi is about hope, rehabilitation and restoration,” she said. “The DCS mandate includes addressing offending behaviour through rehabilitation and preparing individuals for reintegration. Funda Mzantsi exemplifies that goal.”
She encouraged participants: “This platform allows you to communicate with the community through books. A reader may be transformed into a writer. A difficult past can become a powerful story. None of us should be defined by our worst mistakes – they are part of our story, but they do not write the last chapter.” At the end of the three-day competition, the region selected its best team to represent Free State and Northern Cape at the 16th National Funda Mzantsi Champion