Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

02 September 2026

On Thursday, 27 August 2026, the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) Region concluded its three-day 16th Funda Mzantsi Selections, held at Bethal Correctional Centre, Bethal Management Area.

The event, which commenced on 24 August 2026, forms part of the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) broader rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts aimed at equipping offenders with knowledge, skills and positive values that support their successful return to society.

A total of 101 offenders, comprising 20 females and 81 males, from Management Areas across the LMN Region participated in the selections. Over the three days, participants competed in debate, spelling bee, book reading and book review categories. These activities promote literacy, critical thinking, communication, confidence and constructive engagement, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to rehabilitation through education and developmental programmes.

Following the successful conclusion of the selections, 50 participants were selected to represent the LMN Region at the 16th National Funda Mzantsi National Championship, scheduled to take place in George from 28 September to 02 October 2026.

The event was dignified by the presence of LMN Regional delegation comprised of Regional Commissioner Tlabo Thokolo, Deputy Regional Commissioner, Mr Nhlelela Sono, and acting Regional Head of Incarceration, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Mr. Christian Vosloo.

In his address, the LMN Regional Commissioner, Mr Tlabo Thokolo lauded the standard of performance that was displayed by the participants who demonstrate book reading, book review and poem in the event. He encouraged the successful participants to be good ambassadors of the LMN Region at the National Championships and to continue applying themselves to their studies, reading and personal development.

He also urged them to excel in all predominant languages that are in the LMN Region.
Mr. Thokolo sent a word of gratitude to all participants for voluntarily taking their time and efforts to participate in the program.

“Thanks for voluntarily choosing the correct path of taking advantage of the opportunities that the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) offers. The fact that you raised your hands and avail yourself shows that you are the horses that were led to the river drank the water. I also acknowledge the interdependence of all role players for working together with a common objective of ensuring that the standard of performance of LMN Region in Funda Mzantsi is advancing,” said Mr Thokolo.

All participants were awarded with certificates. The Regional Commissioner and Deputy Regional Commissioner presided over handing over of the certificates. Participants were on mellow mood they expressed their excitement and gratitude through singing and dancing.
Through initiatives such as Funda Mzantsi, DCS continues to strengthen its rehabilitation approach by creating opportunities for offenders to acquire knowledge, develop positive skills and build a foundation for responsible citizenship and successful reintegration into communities.