A total of 281 inmates from various correctional centres in Gauteng took part in the four-day Funda Mzansi Competition held at the Boksburg Correctional Services from August 21 to 24.
Each correctional centre had approximately 30 participants who were dressed to kill, proudly representing their various management areas.
Inmates went-head-to-head with each other in a book review, book reading, debate and spelling bee in the 11 official languages in front of a panel of judges from the Gauteng Provincial Library Services.
The competition, organised by the Department of Correctional Services, is aimed at creating a culture of reading and promoting it among inmates.
Mocheta Monama, Gauteng regional correctional services spokesperson, said: “Correctional services look into tapping into rehabilitation of offenders. Through reading they will be able to acquire skills that will be able to assist them in communities when they are released.”
From the 40 chosen winners, Boksburg Correctional Services Centre boasts seven inmates who were chosen.
The event was graced by the Gauteng regional commissioner, Grace Molatedi, along with Henny Makhubela, who is the area commissioner at the Boksburg Correctional Services.
Molatedi congratulated the winners and encouraged them to represent the region well.
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