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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.
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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

AuthorBookLanguage
Sarona LenganaThe Pikinini Scientist sprinkles some love dustEnglish
Gregory MaqomaThe Joy DancerEnglish
Masilo Junior RamphadiThe Great EscapeEnglish
Thembi KgatlanaGirls Don’t Do ThatEnglish
Nonikiwe MashologuNala SingsEnglish
Shudufhadzo MusidaI am Shudu: Finding my Voice, Knowing my StrengthEnglish
Venessa ScholtzKita's dance with dustEnglish
Kristien PotgieterBongi BallerinaEnglish
Lori-Ann PrestonSloothsEnglish
Bianca FlandersPumpkin finds her beatEnglish
Collen NxumaloBeautiful ColoursEnglish
Matina Genkova-MpofuSunday SconesEnglish
Matina Genkova-MpofuMom, why am I Different?English
Samkelo JikwanaThe DecoysEnglish
Salamina MoseseDisaster at Gogo's SpazaEnglish
Paula FourieThe Dog with the Broken WagEnglish
Tshwanelo SerumolaRemarkable MeEnglish
Refiloe MoahloliA friend for all seasonsEnglish
Tshwanelo SerumolaWonderfully MadeEnglish
Refiloe MoahloliPart of a TeamEnglish
Zandile NdhlovuZandi's SongEnglish
Refiloe MoahloliLet's PlayEnglish
Jaco JacobsYou are a wishEnglish
Bianca FlandersPumpkin finds her beatEnglish
Roslynne ToerienUnder the Boabab TreeEnglish
Makhosazana De Wette DludlaIt's Wonderful Me!English
Roslynne ToerienThe Rumbling RhinoEnglish
Dianne StewartMind the monkeysEnglish
Phindile MemaniChicken for BreakfastEnglish
De Wet HugoKatastrofeAfrikaans
Crystal-Donna RobertsSpeurder SammiAfrikaans
Deidré JantjiesStories in die windAfrikaans
Fanie ViljoenOuma Mollie gaan terug skool toeAfrikaans
Anzil KulsenKaratekasAfrikaans
Riana ScheepersSaartjie die spinnekop met sewe beneAfrikaans
Martelize FaberDaar's ’n towerponie in my bed!Afrikaans
Felicia Snyman-du ToitDie WARE avonture van Adelie en Riley: Die swembadmonsterAfrikaans
Naomi MeyerSeeperdeAfrikaans
Jaco JacobsDit is nie 'n boek nie!Afrikaans
Jaco JacobsDie meisie met vlerkeAfrikaans
Jaco JacobsNet nie 'n hond nie!Afrikaans
Kwazi NdlangisaVukani KusileIsiZulu
Malema ChristinahMediro ya kgosi LeobuSepedi
Molebatsi BosilongMohatasedibaSetswana
Phathutshedzo NetshivhulanaTshamatoTshivenda

Youth Literature Award

AuthorBookLanguage
Gregory MaqomaMy Life, My Dance, My Soul: The Story of Gregory MaqomaEnglish
Christopher MlalaziLangabi: Season of BeastsEnglish
Meladi d'AngelTalents Mapping Foundations ProgramEnglish
Tiah Marie BeautementZamani's ComebackEnglish
Luke CalderRodentiaEnglish
Sally PartridgeThe Witches of HogsbackEnglish
Fred KhumaloCrossing the RiverEnglish
Prudence MakauMy So-Called FriendEnglish
Joha van DykVuurvreterAfrikaans
Cecilia SteynDryfAfrikaans
Joha van DykKanniedoodAfrikaans
René van ZylTuimeltreinAfrikaans
William OosthuizenWim Vermaak maak 'n planAfrikaans
Katherine GrahamReën vir StofvleiAfrikaans
Elrien ScheepersWaar jakkalse huilAfrikaans
Jaco JacobsTekkiesAfrikaans
Cliffordene NortonOm jou te kenAfrikaans
Fanie ViljoenKragAfrikaans
Fanie ViljoenDie lewe se vuil houeAfrikaans
Nerine AhlersEen dag in JulieAfrikaans
Louis PretoriusKompleksAfrikaans
Jan VermeulenVeergewigAfrikaans
René van ZylDie monster in my melkskommelAfrikaans
Nellie AlbertsReg in die middel van nêrensAfrikaans
Cecilia SteynSaterdag val ek vir jouAfrikaans
Frenette van WykDie woud van sneeu en ysAfrikaans
Yondela NgqokelelaUmfundisintsapho ulibulele ikamva lam!IsiXhosa
Phiwokuhle Phiwe DekisileImela Igobel'esandleniIsiXhosa
Kobate John SekeleBa Kwa Ka LetlaloSepedi
Makwena Lydian NkwanaO tlo feletša kae?Sepedi
Maake TaolaNtlhatlheSepedi

First-time Published Author Award

AuthorBookLanguage
Samuel Mvuzo MatebesePoetry from the dumping site (Prison Collection)English
Nadine DirksHot WaterEnglish
Jeff Kelly LowensteinComrade KingEnglish
Siyabulela MokebeTamanna for changeEnglish
Bophelo MorakeI, The Worst of AllEnglish
Bonga MatuThula Mama Thula – Big Girls Don’t CryEnglish
Makhetha Floyd MohlomiLights, smoke & shadowsEnglish
Sarah M NaidooA Remedy for DeathEnglish
Tebello MzamoI Did Not DieEnglish
Megan ChoritzLost PropertyEnglish
Maureen CampbellAfrican DawnEnglish
Jane van der RietHow to hide inside a threeEnglish
Mandla MoyoConquer Your MountainsEnglish
Geoff OlivierRuns Gentle Upon the EarthEnglish
Deji HaastrupThe Art of Propaganda - Shaping Public Opinion and Putting Society at RiskEnglish
Elmarie Viljoen-MassynVuurvoëlAfrikaans
Elmarie DercksenDie gawe van groenAfrikaans
Mafika Jetro MahlanguUmrhayiliIsiNdebele
Nonceba MabenaIsikhwebu-Amabali amafutshane nemibongoIsiXhosa
Ntombozuko MatshambaUmabuy'ekwendeniIsiXhosa
Lwando DlephuAmava AhlabahlosileIsiXhosa
Ramaesela Margaret BodilaIyoo, mma ke a swa!Sepedi
Phuti Jorries SeboniLesogana la MahlaleSepedi
Manamela Lesetja AlbertKE SENTŠENGSepedi
Tshauke Khomotso QueenMalapa ga a lekaneSepedi
Beauty Maretsane MadihlabeKe tlo mo paledisaSepedi
Constance Marry MkomiZakwetfuSiswati
Sinethemba simlindile BhilaHawu MfundisiSiswati
Mbhazima Silence BaloyiNdzi khomeleniXitsonga

k. Sello Duiker Memorial Award

AuthorBookLanguage
Wisani MushwanaA Soft LandingEnglish
Sihle QwabeThe ResurrectionEnglish
Sven AxelradBuried TreasureEnglish
Lethokuhle MsimangThe FrightenedEnglish
Jarred ThompsonThe Institute for Creative DyingEnglish
Dianne Du Toit Albertzebottelnek breek bekAfrikaans
Dunyiswa NywebaTsi ubomi ngamahlandenyukaIsiXhosa
Fortune Andile MgwenyaUmnyaka WemnyakatoSiswati
Tshifhiwa Given MukwevhoNdi Ḓo Lusa Nga Nungo DzoṱheTshivenda

Poetry Award

AuthorBookLanguage
Masilo junior RamphadiThe journey of LearningEnglish
Mosimanegape LeeuwThoughts And TearsEnglish
Sithembele Isaac XhegwanaDark lines of history: poemsEnglish
Isobel DixonA Whistling of BirdsEngish
Zama Madinana'94English
Jim Pascual AgustinCrocodiles in BelfastEnglish
Marlon KhozaSlanted JusticeEnglish
Lazola PamboLet Us Be LoveEnglish
Sipho BandaA Crowded Lonely WalkEnglish
Kerry HammertonafterwardsEnglish
Beatrice WilloughbySo,English
Bibi SlippersSoekenjinAfrikaans
Pieter OdendaalOntaardAfrikaans
Philip de VosMôre en gistraand en die einde van die maandAfrikaans
Antjie KrogPlunderAfrikaans
Tom DreyerNou in infrarooiAfrikaans
Zihnziswa NyokanaILIZWI LAMAZWI WAKHOIsiXhosa
Sitembele XhegwanaIziyaca: Ingqokelela yemi bongoIsiXhosa
Awodwa NtshwantiAphi Na AmadodaIsiXhosa
Ongeziwe Est BolisiIngoma YendaloIsiXhosa
Masiza MaziziKudidiyelwe; SondelaniIsiXhosa
Vusi MakhobaNami NgisazophendulaIsiZulu
Moses Shimo SeletishaDi a galakaSepedi
Classi KgopaTšhatšhaokaSepedi
Rudzani Eric MmbengwaNgwedzamilamboTshivenda
Fhulufhelo NtsieniRudzaniTshivenda
Rivalani Jonathan NgomaniSayense ya VutlhokovetseriXitsonga

Creative Non-Fiction Award

AuthorBookLanguage
David Monyae and Sizo NkalaThe Quest for Unity: An Appraisal of Regional Integration in AfricaEnglish
Faeeza BallimEskom: Power, Politics and the (Post)apartheid StateEnglish
Peter Delius & Daniel SherMokgomana: The Life of John Kgoana Nkadimeng 1927-2020English
Robert BalfourMzala Nxumalo, Leftist Thought and Contemporary South AfricaEnglish
Adekeye AdebajoGlobal Africa: Profiles in Courage, Creativity and CrueltyEnglish
Paul HoldenZondo at your FingertipsEnglish
Sandra SwartThe Lion’s Historian: Africa’s Animal PastEnglish
Milton ShainFascists, Fabricators and Fantasists: Anti-Semitism in South Africa from 1948 to the PresentEnglish
Sabata-Mpho Mokae and Brian WillanRevisiting Sol Plaatje’s Mafeking Diary: Reconsideration and restorationEnglish
Lutendo Rhinah SingoA Perseverance JourneyEnglish
Ziyanda MavumengwanaYou're Okay, But The Stuff That Happened To You Wasn'tEnglish
Xoli MadlalaThe Perimenopausal GlobetrotterEnglish
Reverend Themba MntamboMusi Musings - Celebrating Our Alma MaterEnglish
Lesedi Setlhodi-PaulBeing an African in the 21st Century: Modern AfricanEnglish
Moses DivineUnrecorded mysteries in the bibleEnglish
Moshitadi LehlomelaThe Girl Who Survived Her MotherEnglish
Hestelle van StadenBlood has a voice: Stories from the autopsy tableEnglish
Max PriceStatues and Storms: Leading through changeEnglish
Dianne HawkerHow to Steal a Goldmine: The Aurora StoryEnglish
Joanne JowellI am Ella: A remarkable story of survival, from Auschwitz to AfricaEnglish
Andre OdendaalDear Comrade PresidentEnglish
Paula FourieMr Entertainment: The life of Taliep PetersenEnglish
Justin FoxPlaceEnglish
Matthew Blackman and Nick DallLegends: People Who Changed South Africa for the BetterEnglish
Sihle KhumaloMilk the Beloved CountryEnglish
Vangile MakwakwaWhat's Your Money Personality?English
David O'SullivanRassie: Stories of Life and RugbyEnglish
Salim S Adbool KarimStanding up for ScienceEnglish
Johannes de VilliersMeer as jou seerkryAfrikaans
Anelia HeeseDiensplig: Hoekom stotter ons pa's so?Afrikaans
Dana SnymanDie binneland in: Nog stories en reiseAfrikaans
Johan FourieSkatryk: Waarom ons beter leef as ons voorsateAfrikaans
Jacqueline LeuvenninkPoskaarte van 'n reisAfrikaans
David MorokeMoyagoleeleSetswana

Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award

AuthorBookLanguage
Nthikeng MohleleA Little LightEnglish
Busisiwe NgwenyaHitting fifty in styleEnglish
Masilo Junior RamphadiThe adventures of a lifetimeEnglish
NataniëlHelp, HelpAfrikaans
Carien SmithBotAfrikaans
Vusi MakhobaUhambo lwama-AfrikaIsiZulu

Novel Award

AuthorBookLanguage
Jabulani MkhontoNo Easy RaceEnglish
Barry GilderAt Fire HourEnglish
Morabo MorojeleThree Egg DilemmaEnglish
Masilo Junior RamphadiFrom There On DownhillEnglish
Buntu SiwisaPaperlessEnglish
Lucia sekhopole sekgobelaA Brave soulEnglish
Michiel HeynsEach Mortal ThingEnglish
Nick MulgrewTunnelEnglish
Michael BoydThe Weight of ShadeEnglish
Johan Vlok LouwSons of MudEnglish
David ViviersMirageEnglish
Andrew BrownThe Bitterness of OlivesEnglish
Zibu SitholeThe Thing with ZolaEnglish
Ron IrwinMy Side of the OceanEnglish
Angela MakholwaThe Reed Dance StalkerEnglish
Craig HigginsonThe Ghost of Sam WebsterEnglish
Simon Moditi KekanaMeribha : Our legacy lives in MapungubweEnglish
Brian FredericksHou jou oë oopAfrikaans
Etienne van HeerdenGebeenteAfrikaans
Chris KarstenOp pad na MoormansgatAfrikaans
Jeanette FerreiraDie melkweg en die miskruierAfrikaans
P.P FourieOns skuldeAfrikaans
Nicole Jaekel StraussDeelfonteinAfrikaans
Jan van TonderSagie IsAfrikaans
Marida FitzpatrickMaraAfrikaans
Kirby van der MerweEugeneAfrikaans
Engela OviesFloraAfrikaans
Louis KrügerDie verleiding van Eva de WinterAfrikaans
SJ NaudéVan vaders en vlugtelingeAfrikaans
E KotzeHulle noem haar CarmindaAfrikaans
Rudie van RensburgDwelmAfrikaans
Deon MeyerLeoAfrikaans
Wiaan Janse van RensburgDie kerkseunAfrikaans
Johann RossouwSluitstukAfrikaans
Annelie BotesKatvisAfrikaans
Morne MalanMinder as waterAfrikaans
Sithembile MputaUnyana WolahlekoIsiXhosa
Ayanda MchunuAkabange EsafikaIsiZulu
Vusi MakhobaBengilinde NinaIsiZulu
Mathapolane Jennette MpepeleMokoko Wa Lenala Sekopa Le MatsuaneSepedi
Kobate John SekeleNKA UPŠA KA JEWA KE MANONGSepedi
Phineas Khuzwayo MolotoSebata Kgomo Kgorong ya MosateSepedi
Kabelo Duncan KgateaTsamaya sentle 'tata' MandelaSetswana
Jabulane Johan NcongwaneLifa LetilimaSiswati
Thivhusiwi Tshindane TshivhulaU Gidima Hu Fhirwa Nga U TshimbilaTshivenda
Thambatshira NdadzaDAMBUWO LI SI NA MURATHOTshivenda

Literary Translators Award

AuthorBookLanguage
Molebatsi BosilongPeople and the mosquitoesEnglish
Samuel Mvuzo MatebeseTrials and TribulationsEnglish
Michiel HeynsOf Fathers and FugitivesEnglish
Michiel HeynsTHE DAO OF DANIELEnglish
Henrietta Rose-InnesA Library to FleeEnglish
Karen PressPillageEnglish
Jeff Opland & Pamela MasekoHadi Waseluhlangeni: Collected Writings (1873-1916)IsiXhosa
Zodwa MtiraraiMfuma-MfumaIsiXhosa
Misokuhle NyathikaziNtofo-NtofoIsiZulu
Moses Seletishadithetosello le dithetotumišoSepedi
Vonani BilaKhanimamba N'wantlhadyana na MbilaXitsonga

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/

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