Twenty-three UJ students represented the University at the 16th annual FundaMzantsi National Competition, winning awards in Xitsonga and Setswana while celebrating multilingualism and the power of reading.
The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) ReaBala Reading Club showcased its reading and communication skills at the 16th annual FundaMzantsi National Competition, held in George, Western Cape, from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
Invited by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), the club joined 298 competing book clubs from across the country, including groups from Correctional Services, community organisations and five universities: UJ, the University of Limpopo, Nelson Mandela University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Sol Plaatje University.
The competition featured debating, impromptu reading, book reviews and spelling bees in several languages, including English, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, isiXhosa and Xitsonga.
Of the 23 students who represented UJ, two achieved podium positions. Vunwe Rikhotso won first prize in the Xitsonga book review category and third place in impromptu reading, while Lesego Mabuza secured second place in Setswana impromptu reading.
The students’ participation was supported by Academic Development Services (ADS), the NLSA and other internal stakeholders.
Dr Guy Mihindou, Head of Department: Learning Development, congratulated the students on their achievements and their contribution to community engagement.
“We are delighted to see the students’ efforts rewarded. FundaMzantsi provides a valuable platform for students and communities to debate, share knowledge and showcase their skills. We are proud of our students for representing UJ and taking reading to a national platform,” he said.
Building a culture of reading
ReaBala, meaning “we read” or “we are reading”, aims to make reading accessible, enjoyable and relevant, particularly for first-year students and those in extended programmes.
Ms Hale Tsehlana, Reading in the Discipline (RID) and Mentoring Coordinator in Academic Development & Innovations (ADI), within Academic Development & Support, established the club after recognising that students who wanted to read and improve their vocabulary did not always have access to resources, motivation or a supportive reading community.
“We created a space where reading feels relevant and empowering, rather than like a chore,” she said.
The club promotes African authors and relatable stories, using books to encourage conversation, connection and personal growth. It also supports students’ academic development through workshops on reading comprehension, reading strategies and examination preparation.
“Our aim is the holistic development of a student,” Tsehlana said.
Beyond the competition
For participants, FundaMzantsi offered lessons that extended beyond reading and debating.
Wandile Mathe said the experience encouraged patience, teamwork and reflection. Engaging with people from different backgrounds also challenged some of Mathe’s perceptions of offenders and provided a fresh perspective.
Fellow participant Salome Lekganyane, who took part in a Sepedi debate and a spelling bee, said the experience strengthened her confidence.
“Although I did not win, I felt like I won in life. I was able to stand in front of a large crowd and speak confidently. I also learned to start conversations and respect other people’s opinions,” she said.
The experience reinforced ReaBala’s commitment to developing students’ confidence and communication skills while celebrating South Africa’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Get involved
UJ students interested in joining ReaBala Reading Club can scan the QR code on promotional posters around campus or visit the Writing Centre in Block K at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.
Students can also email Reabala@uj.ac.za for more information.
