The National Library of South Africa, in conjunction with the Department of Correctional Services invites South African book clubs from across the country to participate in the 11th Funda Mzantzi Championship (FMC).
FMC is a book reading competition with a goal of stimulating and encouraging reading on a continuous basis. This Championship held on annual basis is also aimed at promoting literacy and reading for enjoyment. The Championship is on its 11th year and due to COVID-19, FMC will take the form of a hybrid (both onsite and virtually) event from 4 October to 7 October 2021.
In preparation for the competition, participants are required to read selected books from a specific list, particularly those from the NLSA’s Reprint of South Africa’s Classics project in order to practice answering questions about the storyline. Furthermore, participants are assessed on categories such as book reviews, debate and spelling bee and comprehension. Inasmuch as this is a completion that pits a book club over another, the focus is one of celebration and inculcating the culture of reading rather than a contest.
Book clubs are invited to participate in the 2021 Funda Mzantsi Championship by completing an application form here. The closing date for submission is Friday, 17 September 2021.
Inquiries: Itumeleng Maduwa via email at itumeleng.maduwa@nlsa.ac.za
