When 134 inmates from across the Free State and Northern Cape gathered at the Bizzah Makhate Correctional Centre in Kroonstad to showcase their reading, debating and spelling skills, one of the voices guiding and encouraging them belonged to SPU’s Dr Makoetja Ramusi.
Dr Ramusi, Lecturer in Interpreting and Translation in the Faculty of Humanities, stepped into this space as an adjudicator and linguistic advisor at the Department of Correctional Services’ 15th Regional Funda Mzantsi Eliminations, held earlier this year. The annual competition promotes multilingual literacy by bringing together book clubs from communities and correctional centres, a powerful reminder that education and language can open doors of possibility even within prison walls.
As a linguistics and translation expert, Dr Ramusi adjudicated in several South African languages, including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Setswana and others. His involvement extended beyond adjudication: he held one-on-one consultative sessions with inmates, offering guidance and constructive feedback to sharpen their skills for the national stage.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Ramusi said it was both inspiring and humbling. “The most striking aspect was their enthusiasm, not only in the competition categories but also in poetry and music performances. This experience reminded me of the power of language to heal, connect and transform lives.”
At the closing ceremony, he was recognised for his contributions to linguistics and interpreting by the Regional Commissioner, Ms Subashini Moodley. The award, he noted, symbolises not only personal affirmation but also the broader value of SPU’s teaching and community engagement work.
“This award is an indication of how we, as an institution, continue to respond to societal needs, particularly through our Court Interpreting programme where language skills are crucial,” he said.
Dr Ramusi expressed gratitude to the Department of Languages and Communication in his faculty, as well as the Department of Correctional Services education team, for making his involvement possible.
His participation in the Regional Funda Mzantsi Eliminations highlights that this was more than adjudication. It was community engagement in one of the most overlooked spaces. An SPU lecturer stepping inside correctional centres to use knowledge, language and education to touch lives where society often looks away demonstrates the profound reach of our academic mission.
