GEORGE NEWS - The 16th Funda Mzantsi Championship has officially opened in George, bringing book clubs from correctional centres, schools, universities and communities together for a week focused on reading, literacy, language and critical thinking.
The annual reading and literacy festival is hosted in collaboration with the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and George Local Municipality.
The championship uses reading and literacy as tools for rehabilitation and social reintegration, particularly within the correctional services environment. Participants take part in activities designed to develop reading, comprehension, communication and critical thinking skills.
The Deputy Mayor of George, Advocate Gert van Niekerk, opened the event and introduced the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, who delivered the keynote address.
Van Niekerk said the Funda Mzantsi Championship was “deeply rooted in the fabric of our city”.
The National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, said participation in the championship gives offenders an opportunity to practise social reintegration.
He described this as an important part of their rehabilitation programme.rGRoenewald: Reading important
Groenewald said technology has its place, but people still need the basic skills. “We have to ensure that we can read, reason and write,” he said, adding that initiatives such as Funda Mzantsi helped keep knowledge alive and promote critical thinking.
Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald. Photo: Supplied
He also highlighted the importance of language as part of South Africa’s history and welcomed the inclusion of Nama in this year’s championship.
The championship is contested in the 12 official South African languages, with Nama additionally included this year to support indigenous linguistic rights and multilingual learning.
Categories
The competition includes four main categories: impromptu reading, debating, spelling bee and book reviews.
In the impromptu reading category, participants are presented with an unfamiliar text and assessed on their comprehension, tone and articulation. Debating tests participants’ ability to engage critically with social issues, while the spelling bee focuses on language proficiency and accuracy.
At the opening ceremony at Eden Place in George. Photo: Supplied
The book review category requires participants to engage critically with selected literature and demonstrate their understanding and interpretation of the works.
Book clubs participating in the championship include groups from correctional centres, schools, universities and communities. Many of the participants are inmates.
Speaking out against GBV
The opening ceremony also included a candle-lighting in remembrance of people who have been affected by gender-based violence.
Rev Kevin van Wyk said men had been given strength to protect women and children, rather than hurt them. He expressed the hope that the lighting of the candle would compel men to protect women and children.
The message came as Groenewald also addressed the pressing issues of gender-based violence and crime in South Africa during his keynote address.
A candle was lit in memory of those affected by gender-based violence. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
The competition continues to Thursday, with participants competing in different languages and disciplines at venues across the event site. The final rounds, followed by the closing and awards ceremony, will take place on Friday.
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