01 October 2024
Anza Tshilidzi from Emang Mmogo Book Club in the Northern Cape has made history as the first blind participant in the English impromptu reading category.
Using Braille, Anza competed alongside university students, inmates, pupils, and community book clubs from across Mzansi, all vying for top honours in reading, spelling bee, book review, and debate in all 11 official languages.
The five-day event, held at Eden Hall in George, Western Cape, aims to foster a culture of literacy in communities and support the social integration and rehabilitation of inmates.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Correctional Services, the Department of Arts and Culture, the National Library of South Africa, and the George Local Municipality.
Deputy mayor of George, Raybin Figland, highlighted the challenges of social recovery in rehabilitation, emphasising the community's role in accepting offenders back into society.
"As members of society, we must accept that rehabilitation is a societal responsibility. Hosting the 14th edition of the Funda Mzansi National Championship is a testament to the cooperation between all levels of government to create safer communities," said Figland.
He also praised the event as a highlight of the calendar, committed to improving reading levels not only at correctional facilities but also in schools, communities, and universities.
"I'd also like to congratulate the men and women in brown who serve the Department of Correctional Services with great honour and pride. It's my wish that the minister of correctional services can report to Parliament that since the start of the Funda Mzansi Championship, no security breach has taken place," he said.
Catherine Mokoena, director for books and publishing from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, commended the initiative for its impact on the country.
"The country needs this kind of initiative. We're gathered here today with a shared understanding of the many studies on the state of reading in South Africa. It's clear that much needs to be done to change the current status if we are to succeed as a nation," said Mokoena.
She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, noting that everyone needs to roll up their sleeves and get involved to save the nation.
The event was also attended by Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald and the national commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale.
Source: https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/news/blind-reader-breaks-barriers-at-funda-mzansi-20240929-2#:~:text=Anza%20Tshilidzi%20from%20Northern%20Cape,the%20English%20impromptu%20reading%20category.
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