Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The spirit of learning and transformation was on full display as offenders from Klerksdorp Management Area made their mark at this year’s Funda Mzantsi National Reading Competition, held in George, Western Cape, from October 6 to 9. The Funda Mzantsi initiative encourages offenders and community book clubs across the country to embrace reading, debate, and literacy in all 11 official languages. Within Correctional Centres, participation begins at book club level, where offenders compete internally before advancing through the provincial and regional rounds to the prestigious national stage.
This year, twenty offenders from Klerksdorp participated in the provincial selection at Rooigrond Correctional Centre in August where thirteen offenders advanced to the regional round, hosted at Bethal Correctional Centre. Finally, eight exceptional offenders earned a place to represent the LMN Region at the national competition.
Their performance was nothing short of impressive as Klerksdorp team secured several top positions which includes Overall Winner in Setswana Category, first and second place in Setswana Book Review, third Place in Setswana Spelling Bee, second Place in Sesotho Book Review and third Place in English Debate.
These victories did not only reflect academic excellence but also the personal growth and rehabilitation of the participants. For offender Lucky Mosenki qualifying for the national competition for the first time marked a deeply personal milestone. “Even two minutes spent reading can change your life,” he said, adding that the experience has helped heal from the pain of losing his mother while in custody and not being able to lay her to rest. “Through Funda Mzantsi, I have found sense of purpose and renewed hope for the future”.
Similarly, Offender Masakhane Khomba said, participating in Funda Mzantsi over the past three years has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. “Even when life presents challenges, reading can help you heal form childhood trauma or past mistakes. This program has shown me the importance of learning and given me hope that I can still do more and create a better life when I leave prison”.
In her remarks, Area Commissioner, Mi-nah Maile expressed pride in the offenders and officials for their hard work and determination that led to this success. “The Funda Mzantsi is more than a literacy initiative, it’s a rehabilitation tool that instills discipline, self-worth and confidence in our offenders. We are extremely proud of the Klerksdorp team for representing Limpopo, Mpumalanga and NW (LMN) Region with excellence and dignity,” she said.
