300 prisoners take on book clubs from across the country

MORE than 300 inmates got to demonstrate their reading skills when they took part in a community and university book club reading and debate championship.

The competition was presided over by national commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale.

The event, known as the Funda Mzantsi Championships, took place in George between October 3 and 7.

The competition was held in conjunction with the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), DCS and the George Municipality.

DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the hundreds of prisoners, who are all part of book clubs inside prisons, gathered from the nine provinces.

“Three hundred inmates represented all nine provinces who faced off with various book clubs in the country, mainly from the community, universities and public schools.

“Critical to highlight, the Funda Mzantsi Championship equips participants with the ability to develop an appreciation of learning and knowledge through reading, reviewing, providing analysis of books and engaging in constructive debates on topical issues.

“As a result, we have observed an interesting and rewarding phenomenon wherein the number of inmates publishing books continues to increase.

“Participants are assessed in four categories: impromptu reading, debating, spelling bee and book reviewing in all South African official languages.”

The much-acclaimed book, The Yearning by Mohale Mashigo, was part of this year’s review.

The sessions saw prisoners and universities compete over the spelling of various words and a debate about indigenous languages.

The National Library encouraged clubs to select books prior to the competition, focusing on reprints of the South African classics project.