Outstanding South African writing talent to receive literary recognition

By CityLife Arts Writer

Thirty-three outstanding South African writers stand a chance of literary recognition as they have been shortlisted for the prestigious South African Literary Awards (SALA). Those shortlisted range from poets to translators writing in different languages and genres.

“Following an exhaustive process of literary adjudication South African Literary Awards is proud to announce the Short List for the 2021 SALA Literary Awards. The list reflects the leaps and bounds the country has taken since the inaugural ceremony which was held at the Durban International Convention Centre, Kwa-Zulu Natal on the 5th March 2005 in honour of South Africa’s world-renowned scholar, author, eminent yet unsung poet of majestic epics and literary genius, Prof. Mazisi Kunene. In the same year in December, SALA held another watershed ceremony, in Polokwane, Limpopo Province celebrating 10 literary heavyweights and luminaries who shone the torch before 1994 under often difficult circumstances. These included Es’kia Mphahlele, Noni Jabavu, Ellen Khuzwayo, Nadine Gordimer, Denis Brutus, James Matthews, T.N Maumela, Miriam Tlali, E.S. Madima and Modikoe Dikobe.

This year’s diverse short list speaks to the United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declaration of the next decade as the global Decade of Indigenous Languages. In response to UNESCO’s declaration SALA found it interesting that book publishers responded with tangible investment in mother tongue literature that speaks to mother tongue preservation challenges facing the global south.

Out of 440 submissions received, 33 titles made it to the shortlist,” announced the organisers, the Write Associates, yesterday.

The short list under different categories and languages is the following;

 First Time Published Award shortlist

 Rešoketšwe Manenzhe with Scatterlings

 Ryan Pedro with Pienk ceramic-hondjies

Lynthia Julius with Uit die kroes

Youth Literature Award

Thembinkosi Mathidane Mabaso with Ngenxa Yezinduna

Kobate John Sekele with Mararankodi Mafelelo

Pamela Newham with The Boy and the Poacher’s Moon

Sipho Richard Kekezwa with Ubomi, ungancama!

Jan Vermeulen with Baster

 K.Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award

  Lihle Sokapase with Yapatyalaka Ibhobhile

 Karen Jennings with An Island

Brian Fredericks with As die Cape Flats kon praat

Children’s Literature Award

Andre Trantaal with Keegan & Samier: Die sokkerfiasko

 Matina Genkova-Mpofu with Thingamagic

Poetry Award

Floyd Rito Makondo with Ndzeko wa Vutshila

Tshepiso Makgoloane with Tša maAfrika

Johann de Lange with Die meeste sterre is lankaal dood

Ayanda Billie with KwaNobuhle Overcas

Kgwadi Kgwadi Gladwell with Ithuteng Mogolokwane

Babalwa Fatyi with Hlahl’indela Nohombile

Nndanduleni Mulaudzi with Khonadzeo

Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award

Nakanjani Sibiya with The Reluctant Storyteller – A collection of Short Stories

Madoda Ndlakuse with Mhla latsh’iBhayi

Creative Non-Fiction Literary Award

Sabata-mpho Mokae and Brian Willan with Sol Plaatjie: A Life in Letters

 Mzoli Mavimbela with Masibuyel’embo Konakele Phina Na?

Novel Award

 Fred Khumalo with Ngenxa yeMendi

Ezra Mcebisi Nkohla with Zajik’izinto

Sipho Richard Kekezwa with Ziyakhamana

Jaco Fouche with Aanspreeklikheid

Literary Translators Award

 Xolisa Guzula with UFaizel Neenkwenkwezi

 Jeff Opland and Peter T.Mtuze with Iimbali Zamandulo: Stories of the past (1838-1910)

Literary Journalism Award, which in the past has been awarded to outstanding luminaries such as Bongani Madondo, Karabo Kgoleng, Victor Dlamini, Don Makatile, Sam Mathe and others will be announced during the award ceremony on 7^th November 2021. It is an award that celebrates South Africans who through their writing and broadcasting have contributed to the development of literature and a culture of reading.

Other accolades to be announced at the ceremony are the Chairperson’s Award, Lifetime Achievement Literary Award and the Regional Poet Laureate Prize. The Regional Poet Laureate Prize is a new addition to the basket of accolades that SALA honours literary figures with. It is exclusive to poets based in different parts of the country. The award is intended to serve as a guide to how future National Poet Laureates will be identified and appointed

Due to Covid restrictions the 2021 SALA ceremony, like the one in 2020 will be held virtually on 7^th November starting with the 9th Africa Century International African Writers Conference (ACIAWC), 9H00 to 16H00 under the theme:

“Decolonised Literary Arts, Culture, Heritage and Expression in Times of Pandemic Crises: Celebrating the International Year of Creative Economy and Sustainable Development”.

Prof P (Puleng) LenkaBula, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), will deliver the 9^th International African Writers Day Lecture, while Dr Asante Lucy Mtenje, Associate Professor – Department of English, University of Malawi, Chancellor College will respond to the lecture. The award ceremony will follow at 19H00 to 20H30.