Minister Pieter Groenewald presides over opening of the 16th Funda Mzantsi Championship, 28 Sept

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS), in collaboration with the National Library of South Africa’s Centre for the Book, George Local Municipality and Pan South African Language Board, will hold the annual Funda Mzantsi Championship from 28 September to 02 October 2026 in George, Western Cape.

A total of 300 offenders from various book clubs nationwide will compete against university students, pupils, and community book clubs in this year’s championship. Participants will compete in four categories: book review, book reading, spelling, and debate across twelve official South African languages. The Nama language will also be trialled for potential inclusion in subsequent years.

The Championship forms part of governmental initiatives aimed at improving the culture of reading and literacy levels within South African communities while supporting the rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders.

The Hon. Minister for Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, will deliver the keynote address at the opening of the championship, as follows.

Date: 28 September 2026
Venue: Eden Place Hall, George
Time: 11h00

Interested members of the media are invited to cover the event.

Enquiries:
Ms Eune Wessels
Cell: 079 492 5234

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