GEORGE NEWS - The 15th Funda Mzantsi Championship kicked off this morning at Eden Place where avid readers from various parts of the country have come together to test their skills against each other in reading, spelling, debating, book reviewing and impromptu reading.
Some 300 offenders from Correctional Services book clubs will be displaying their language abilities over the next four days alongside learners from schools, tertiary institutions and community book clubs.
The competition is making a significant impact in offenders' lives.
The minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald officially opened the event, emphasising the importance of the competition to develop creativity. He said it plays a role in the successful reintegration of offenders into the community.
Taking part in the same competition as members from the community brings a shift in offenders' thought process as they realise that they can become part of society again.
He said there is a huge responsibility on the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to ensure that the rehabilitation of offenders is of such a nature that when they are back in the community, they will not fall back into a life of crime.
Sign language, which has recently become the 12th official language in the country, will be part of the next year's competition.
In a special message to the offenders Groenewald said, "You can be successful. The mere fact that you are competing already is proof that you improved yourself. You can make a success and you can become successful in society and you don't need to reoffend."
Also among the dignitaries were National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Samuel Thobakgale, and George Speaker Sean Snyman.
The Nama language is represented at the competition for the first time by two Nama speaking visitors from the Northwest Province, Erica Dawids and Paul Vogelsang. They are representing their Nama book club.
According to Vogelsang, a good number of people in certain villages and townships in the province still speak Nama. They are lobbying for greater recognition for their language through the South African Nama Development Association, a non-governmental body.
Samuel Thobakgale National Commissioner of DCS speaking during the opening. Photo supplied
Funda Mzantsi is being hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) through its outreach unit, the Centre for the Book (CFB), in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services and George Municipality.
The aim is to promote a culture of reading among South Africans. The DCS joined the initiative in 2013 when it became apparent that reading played a significant role in the rehabilitation of offenders.
The event concludes on Thursday morning.
Performing a gwijo, from left, Alex Manyedi, Vincent Melamu, Lindiwe Mthombeni and Prudence Mthombeni. They are from the Northwest. Photo supplied
From Matome Aphane's Book Club in the Maphotla Village, Mpumalanga, from left, back: Mahlangu Phemelo, Moema Ofentse and Masombuka Sbongumusa. Front: Masanabo Nondumiso, Sepako Lucky and Maaga Smangaliso. Photo: Alida de Beer
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