Subscribe & Follow
Advertise your job vacancies
Jobs
- Event Stylist Johannesburg
- Event Stylist and Manager Cape Town
2024 South African Literary Awards celebrates 19 years of literary excellence, longlist revealed
The South African Literary Awards (SALA) celebrates literary excellence across various genres in South Africa. Established in 2005, SALA honours both established and emerging writers who contribute to the country's rich literary heritage.
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Categories include novels, poetry, children's literature, journalism, literary translations, and indigenous language writing. The awards aim to recognise diverse voices, promote a culture of reading, and encourage the growth of South African literature.
2024 marks the 19th edition of the South African Literary Awards and set to take place on 7 November 2024, at the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History in Pretoria to celebrate South Africa’s rich literary heritage.
The judging process for this year's Awards is currently underway by a distinguished panel made up of more than 30 members. The nominees will be announced at the Awards ceremony, a highlight in South Africa’s literary calendar.
In addition to the SALA ceremony, the 12th Africa Century International African Writers Conference will be held on the same day, celebrating the 33rd International African Writers’ Day and 30 years of South Africa’s freedom and democracy.
Founded in 2005 by the wRite associates, SALA is a vital platform for recognising the contributions of authors, translators, poets, and other literary practitioners. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture plays a crucial role in supporting this initiative, demonstrating its commitment to promoting cultural and literary excellence.
Morakabe Raks Seakhoa, managing director of the wRite associates and Sala’s founding executive director, highlights the significance of this year's event.
“We are excited to celebrate 19 years of SALA. This initiative has consistently showcased the best of South Africa’s literary talent and the vital role of literature in our society.”
Seakhoa adds: “SALA’s success reflects the dynamic and evolving literary scene in South Africa. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of exceptional writers who have made a significant impact.”
The SALA honours work across 16 categories, including:
1. k. Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award
2. Nadine Gordimer Short Story Literary Award
3. First-time Published Author Award
4. National Poet Laureate Prize
5. Regional Poet Laureate Prize
6. Local Poet Laureate Prize
7. Poetry Award
8. Literary Translators Award
9. Lifetime Achievement Literary Award
10. Posthumous Literary Award
11. Literary Journalism Award
12. Creative Non-Fiction Award
13. Chairperson’s Award
14. Children’s Literature Award
15. Youth Literature Award
16. Novel Award
“SALA originated and was the first to introduce and infuse into the South African literary lexicon the institution of the South African National Poet Laureate Prize, among the many of the 16 categories in the stable of recognition of literary excellence and craft,” Seakhoa says.
The Awards have previously recognised luminaries such as poets laureate Mazisi Kunene, Mongane Wally Serote, Keorapetse Kgositsile, Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, Dr Sophonia Machabe Mofokeng and many others across the various categories and 11 official languages.
Here is the SALA 2024 longlist...
Children’s Literature Award
Author | Book | Language |
Sarona Lengana | The Pikinini Scientist sprinkles some love dust | English |
Gregory Maqoma | The Joy Dancer | English |
Masilo Junior Ramphadi | The Great Escape | English |
Thembi Kgatlana | Girls Don’t Do That | English |
Nonikiwe Mashologu | Nala Sings | English |
Shudufhadzo Musida | I am Shudu: Finding my Voice, Knowing my Strength | English |
Venessa Scholtz | Kita's dance with dust | English |
Kristien Potgieter | Bongi Ballerina | English |
Lori-Ann Preston | Slooths | English |
Bianca Flanders | Pumpkin finds her beat | English |
Collen Nxumalo | Beautiful Colours | English |
Matina Genkova-Mpofu | Sunday Scones | English |
Matina Genkova-Mpofu | Mom, why am I Different? | English |
Samkelo Jikwana | The Decoys | English |
Salamina Mosese | Disaster at Gogo's Spaza | English |
Paula Fourie | The Dog with the Broken Wag | English |
Tshwanelo Serumola | Remarkable Me | English |
Refiloe Moahloli | A friend for all seasons | English |
Tshwanelo Serumola | Wonderfully Made | English |
Refiloe Moahloli | Part of a Team | English |
Zandile Ndhlovu | Zandi's Song | English |
Refiloe Moahloli | Let's Play | English |
Jaco Jacobs | You are a wish | English |
Bianca Flanders | Pumpkin finds her beat | English |
Roslynne Toerien | Under the Boabab Tree | English |
Makhosazana De Wette Dludla | It's Wonderful Me! | English |
Roslynne Toerien | The Rumbling Rhino | English |
Dianne Stewart | Mind the monkeys | English |
Phindile Memani | Chicken for Breakfast | English |
De Wet Hugo | Katastrofe | Afrikaans |
Crystal-Donna Roberts | Speurder Sammi | Afrikaans |
Deidré Jantjies | Stories in die wind | Afrikaans |
Fanie Viljoen | Ouma Mollie gaan terug skool toe | Afrikaans |
Anzil Kulsen | Karatekas | Afrikaans |
Riana Scheepers | Saartjie die spinnekop met sewe bene | Afrikaans |
Martelize Faber | Daar's ’n towerponie in my bed! | Afrikaans |
Felicia Snyman-du Toit | Die WARE avonture van Adelie en Riley: Die swembadmonster | Afrikaans |
Naomi Meyer | Seeperde | Afrikaans |
Jaco Jacobs | Dit is nie 'n boek nie! | Afrikaans |
Jaco Jacobs | Die meisie met vlerke | Afrikaans |
Jaco Jacobs | Net nie 'n hond nie! | Afrikaans |
Kwazi Ndlangisa | Vukani Kusile | IsiZulu |
Malema Christinah | Mediro ya kgosi Leobu | Sepedi |
Molebatsi Bosilong | Mohatasediba | Setswana |
Phathutshedzo Netshivhulana | Tshamato | Tshivenda |
Youth Literature Award
Author | Book | Language |
Gregory Maqoma | My Life, My Dance, My Soul: The Story of Gregory Maqoma | English |
Christopher Mlalazi | Langabi: Season of Beasts | English |
Meladi d'Angel | Talents Mapping Foundations Program | English |
Tiah Marie Beautement | Zamani's Comeback | English |
Luke Calder | Rodentia | English |
Sally Partridge | The Witches of Hogsback | English |
Fred Khumalo | Crossing the River | English |
Prudence Makau | My So-Called Friend | English |
Joha van Dyk | Vuurvreter | Afrikaans |
Cecilia Steyn | Dryf | Afrikaans |
Joha van Dyk | Kanniedood | Afrikaans |
René van Zyl | Tuimeltrein | Afrikaans |
William Oosthuizen | Wim Vermaak maak 'n plan | Afrikaans |
Katherine Graham | Reën vir Stofvlei | Afrikaans |
Elrien Scheepers | Waar jakkalse huil | Afrikaans |
Jaco Jacobs | Tekkies | Afrikaans |
Cliffordene Norton | Om jou te ken | Afrikaans |
Fanie Viljoen | Krag | Afrikaans |
Fanie Viljoen | Die lewe se vuil houe | Afrikaans |
Nerine Ahlers | Een dag in Julie | Afrikaans |
Louis Pretorius | Kompleks | Afrikaans |
Jan Vermeulen | Veergewig | Afrikaans |
René van Zyl | Die monster in my melkskommel | Afrikaans |
Nellie Alberts | Reg in die middel van nêrens | Afrikaans |
Cecilia Steyn | Saterdag val ek vir jou | Afrikaans |
Frenette van Wyk | Die woud van sneeu en ys | Afrikaans |
Yondela Ngqokelela | Umfundisintsapho ulibulele ikamva lam! | IsiXhosa |
Phiwokuhle Phiwe Dekisile | Imela Igobel'esandleni | IsiXhosa |
Kobate John Sekele | Ba Kwa Ka Letlalo | Sepedi |
Makwena Lydian Nkwana | O tlo feletša kae? | Sepedi |
Maake Taola | Ntlhatlhe | Sepedi |
First-time Published Author Award
Author | Book | Language |
Samuel Mvuzo Matebese | Poetry from the dumping site (Prison Collection) | English |
Nadine Dirks | Hot Water | English |
Jeff Kelly Lowenstein | Comrade King | English |
Siyabulela Mokebe | Tamanna for change | English |
Bophelo Morake | I, The Worst of All | English |
Bonga Matu | Thula Mama Thula – Big Girls Don’t Cry | English |
Makhetha Floyd Mohlomi | Lights, smoke & shadows | English |
Sarah M Naidoo | A Remedy for Death | English |
Tebello Mzamo | I Did Not Die | English |
Megan Choritz | Lost Property | English |
Maureen Campbell | African Dawn | English |
Jane van der Riet | How to hide inside a three | English |
Mandla Moyo | Conquer Your Mountains | English |
Geoff Olivier | Runs Gentle Upon the Earth | English |
Deji Haastrup | The Art of Propaganda - Shaping Public Opinion and Putting Society at Risk | English |
Elmarie Viljoen-Massyn | Vuurvoël | Afrikaans |
Elmarie Dercksen | Die gawe van groen | Afrikaans |
Mafika Jetro Mahlangu | Umrhayili | IsiNdebele |
Nonceba Mabena | Isikhwebu-Amabali amafutshane nemibongo | IsiXhosa |
Ntombozuko Matshamba | Umabuy'ekwendeni | IsiXhosa |
Lwando Dlephu | Amava Ahlabahlosile | IsiXhosa |
Ramaesela Margaret Bodila | Iyoo, mma ke a swa! | Sepedi |
Phuti Jorries Seboni | Lesogana la Mahlale | Sepedi |
Manamela Lesetja Albert | KE SENTŠENG | Sepedi |
Tshauke Khomotso Queen | Malapa ga a lekane | Sepedi |
Beauty Maretsane Madihlabe | Ke tlo mo paledisa | Sepedi |
Constance Marry Mkomi | Zakwetfu | Siswati |
Sinethemba simlindile Bhila | Hawu Mfundisi | Siswati |
Mbhazima Silence Baloyi | Ndzi khomeleni | Xitsonga |
k. Sello Duiker Memorial Award
Author | Book | Language |
Wisani Mushwana | A Soft Landing | English |
Sihle Qwabe | The Resurrection | English |
Sven Axelrad | Buried Treasure | English |
Lethokuhle Msimang | The Frightened | English |
Jarred Thompson | The Institute for Creative Dying | English |
Dianne Du Toit Albertze | bottelnek breek bek | Afrikaans |
Dunyiswa Nyweba | Tsi ubomi ngamahlandenyuka | IsiXhosa |
Fortune Andile Mgwenya | Umnyaka Wemnyakato | Siswati |
Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho | Ndi Ḓo Lusa Nga Nungo Dzoṱhe | Tshivenda |
Poetry Award
Author | Book | Language |
Masilo junior Ramphadi | The journey of Learning | English |
Mosimanegape Leeuw | Thoughts And Tears | English |
Sithembele Isaac Xhegwana | Dark lines of history: poems | English |
Isobel Dixon | A Whistling of Birds | Engish |
Zama Madinana | '94 | English |
Jim Pascual Agustin | Crocodiles in Belfast | English |
Marlon Khoza | Slanted Justice | English |
Lazola Pambo | Let Us Be Love | English |
Sipho Banda | A Crowded Lonely Walk | English |
Kerry Hammerton | afterwards | English |
Beatrice Willoughby | So, | English |
Bibi Slippers | Soekenjin | Afrikaans |
Pieter Odendaal | Ontaard | Afrikaans |
Philip de Vos | Môre en gistraand en die einde van die maand | Afrikaans |
Antjie Krog | Plunder | Afrikaans |
Tom Dreyer | Nou in infrarooi | Afrikaans |
Zihnziswa Nyokana | ILIZWI LAMAZWI WAKHO | IsiXhosa |
Sitembele Xhegwana | Iziyaca: Ingqokelela yemi bongo | IsiXhosa |
Awodwa Ntshwanti | Aphi Na Amadoda | IsiXhosa |
Ongeziwe Est Bolisi | Ingoma Yendalo | IsiXhosa |
Masiza Mazizi | Kudidiyelwe; Sondelani | IsiXhosa |
Vusi Makhoba | Nami Ngisazophendula | IsiZulu |
Moses Shimo Seletisha | Di a galaka | Sepedi |
Classi Kgopa | Tšhatšhaoka | Sepedi |
Rudzani Eric Mmbengwa | Ngwedzamilambo | Tshivenda |
Fhulufhelo Ntsieni | Rudzani | Tshivenda |
Rivalani Jonathan Ngomani | Sayense ya Vutlhokovetseri | Xitsonga |
Creative Non-Fiction Award
Author | Book | Language |
David Monyae and Sizo Nkala | The Quest for Unity: An Appraisal of Regional Integration in Africa | English |
Faeeza Ballim | Eskom: Power, Politics and the (Post)apartheid State | English |
Peter Delius & Daniel Sher | Mokgomana: The Life of John Kgoana Nkadimeng 1927-2020 | English |
Robert Balfour | Mzala Nxumalo, Leftist Thought and Contemporary South Africa | English |
Adekeye Adebajo | Global Africa: Profiles in Courage, Creativity and Cruelty | English |
Paul Holden | Zondo at your Fingertips | English |
Sandra Swart | The Lion’s Historian: Africa’s Animal Past | English |
Milton Shain | Fascists, Fabricators and Fantasists: Anti-Semitism in South Africa from 1948 to the Present | English |
Sabata-Mpho Mokae and Brian Willan | Revisiting Sol Plaatje’s Mafeking Diary: Reconsideration and restoration | English |
Lutendo Rhinah Singo | A Perseverance Journey | English |
Ziyanda Mavumengwana | You're Okay, But The Stuff That Happened To You Wasn't | English |
Xoli Madlala | The Perimenopausal Globetrotter | English |
Reverend Themba Mntambo | Musi Musings - Celebrating Our Alma Mater | English |
Lesedi Setlhodi-Paul | Being an African in the 21st Century: Modern African | English |
Moses Divine | Unrecorded mysteries in the bible | English |
Moshitadi Lehlomela | The Girl Who Survived Her Mother | English |
Hestelle van Staden | Blood has a voice: Stories from the autopsy table | English |
Max Price | Statues and Storms: Leading through change | English |
Dianne Hawker | How to Steal a Goldmine: The Aurora Story | English |
Joanne Jowell | I am Ella: A remarkable story of survival, from Auschwitz to Africa | English |
Andre Odendaal | Dear Comrade President | English |
Paula Fourie | Mr Entertainment: The life of Taliep Petersen | English |
Justin Fox | Place | English |
Matthew Blackman and Nick Dall | Legends: People Who Changed South Africa for the Better | English |
Sihle Khumalo | Milk the Beloved Country | English |
Vangile Makwakwa | What's Your Money Personality? | English |
David O'Sullivan | Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby | English |
Salim S Adbool Karim | Standing up for Science | English |
Johannes de Villiers | Meer as jou seerkry | Afrikaans |
Anelia Heese | Diensplig: Hoekom stotter ons pa's so? | Afrikaans |
Dana Snyman | Die binneland in: Nog stories en reise | Afrikaans |
Johan Fourie | Skatryk: Waarom ons beter leef as ons voorsate | Afrikaans |
Jacqueline Leuvennink | Poskaarte van 'n reis | Afrikaans |
David Moroke | Moyagoleele | Setswana |
Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award
Author | Book | Language |
Nthikeng Mohlele | A Little Light | English |
Busisiwe Ngwenya | Hitting fifty in style | English |
Masilo Junior Ramphadi | The adventures of a lifetime | English |
Nataniël | Help, Help | Afrikaans |
Carien Smith | Bot | Afrikaans |
Vusi Makhoba | Uhambo lwama-Afrika | IsiZulu |
Novel Award
Author | Book | Language |
Jabulani Mkhonto | No Easy Race | English |
Barry Gilder | At Fire Hour | English |
Morabo Morojele | Three Egg Dilemma | English |
Masilo Junior Ramphadi | From There On Downhill | English |
Buntu Siwisa | Paperless | English |
Lucia sekhopole sekgobela | A Brave soul | English |
Michiel Heyns | Each Mortal Thing | English |
Nick Mulgrew | Tunnel | English |
Michael Boyd | The Weight of Shade | English |
Johan Vlok Louw | Sons of Mud | English |
David Viviers | Mirage | English |
Andrew Brown | The Bitterness of Olives | English |
Zibu Sithole | The Thing with Zola | English |
Ron Irwin | My Side of the Ocean | English |
Angela Makholwa | The Reed Dance Stalker | English |
Craig Higginson | The Ghost of Sam Webster | English |
Simon Moditi Kekana | Meribha : Our legacy lives in Mapungubwe | English |
Brian Fredericks | Hou jou oë oop | Afrikaans |
Etienne van Heerden | Gebeente | Afrikaans |
Chris Karsten | Op pad na Moormansgat | Afrikaans |
Jeanette Ferreira | Die melkweg en die miskruier | Afrikaans |
P.P Fourie | Ons skulde | Afrikaans |
Nicole Jaekel Strauss | Deelfontein | Afrikaans |
Jan van Tonder | Sagie Is | Afrikaans |
Marida Fitzpatrick | Mara | Afrikaans |
Kirby van der Merwe | Eugene | Afrikaans |
Engela Ovies | Flora | Afrikaans |
Louis Krüger | Die verleiding van Eva de Winter | Afrikaans |
SJ Naudé | Van vaders en vlugtelinge | Afrikaans |
E Kotze | Hulle noem haar Carminda | Afrikaans |
Rudie van Rensburg | Dwelm | Afrikaans |
Deon Meyer | Leo | Afrikaans |
Wiaan Janse van Rensburg | Die kerkseun | Afrikaans |
Johann Rossouw | Sluitstuk | Afrikaans |
Annelie Botes | Katvis | Afrikaans |
Morne Malan | Minder as water | Afrikaans |
Sithembile Mputa | Unyana Wolahleko | IsiXhosa |
Ayanda Mchunu | Akabange Esafika | IsiZulu |
Vusi Makhoba | Bengilinde Nina | IsiZulu |
Mathapolane Jennette Mpepele | Mokoko Wa Lenala Sekopa Le Matsuane | Sepedi |
Kobate John Sekele | NKA UPŠA KA JEWA KE MANONG | Sepedi |
Phineas Khuzwayo Moloto | Sebata Kgomo Kgorong ya Mosate | Sepedi |
Kabelo Duncan Kgatea | Tsamaya sentle 'tata' Mandela | Setswana |
Jabulane Johan Ncongwane | Lifa Letilima | Siswati |
Thivhusiwi Tshindane Tshivhula | U Gidima Hu Fhirwa Nga U Tshimbila | Tshivenda |
Thambatshira Ndadza | DAMBUWO LI SI NA MURATHO | Tshivenda |
Literary Translators Award
Author | Book | Language |
Molebatsi Bosilong | People and the mosquitoes | English |
Samuel Mvuzo Matebese | Trials and Tribulations | English |
Michiel Heyns | Of Fathers and Fugitives | English |
Michiel Heyns | THE DAO OF DANIEL | English |
Henrietta Rose-Innes | A Library to Flee | English |
Karen Press | Pillage | English |
Jeff Opland & Pamela Maseko | Hadi Waseluhlangeni: Collected Writings (1873-1916) | IsiXhosa |
Zodwa Mtirara | iMfuma-Mfuma | IsiXhosa |
Misokuhle Nyathikazi | Ntofo-Ntofo | IsiZulu |
Moses Seletisha | dithetosello le dithetotumišo | Sepedi |
Vonani Bila | Khanimamba N'wantlhadyana na Mbila | Xitsonga |
The Chairperson’s Literary Award and Lifetime Achievement Literary Award will be announced on 7 November when the outstanding writers who continue to shape South Africa’s literary landscape will be honoured.
For more, go to https://sala.org.za/