The winners in the different categories will be announced at the Africa Century International Writers Conference on November 7, 2023.
By Hope Ibiale
The South African Literary Awards (SALA) has released the shortlist for its 2023 edition. From over 200 submissions, 30 literary works have been shortlisted in different categories by 34 judges.
The South African Literary Awards (SALA) was founded by the wRite Associates in partnership with the South African Department of Arts and Culture in 2005. Since its inception, the literary prize has awarded South African writers whose works have been published in any of the country’s eleven official languages. The winners in the different categories will be announced at the Africa Century International Writers Conference on November 7, 2023.
The shortlisted authors and their works are given below
Children’s Literature Award
Unakho by Sinathi Mpukwana
Flap! Rattle! Stomp! by Irene Berman
Tutu le Lulu by Kabelo Kgatea
Montsane le Motho Molebatsi Bosilong
Tokkelossiebossie en ander dol gedoentes by Mr Philip de Vos
Nelly and Sam Thwala by Claudette Browne Storrar
(Read also: Obari Gomba’s Play, Grit Wins the 2023 Nigeria Prize for Literature)
First Time Published Award
Bohlulwe Kukusa by Ayanda Chris Mntwapi
Lerato La Lepheko by Ntloro Charlotte Pebane
Across the Kala Pani by Shevlyn Mottai
,Alitjhingi Linganandaba by Zodwa Zondi
Youth Literature Award
Dit het alles begin met ‘n hond by Annelie Ferreira
Time of the Swallows by Dianne Stewart
Makgoma A Dihlong by Kobate John Sekele
The Second Verse by Onke Mazibuko
Go tseba mang? By Makwena Nkwana
Ukuzazi Ukuzithemba Nokuzamkela by Mihlali Blackie
Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award
Here Comes the Gay King by Dimakatso David Mokwena
Poetry Award
Yombela by Vuyisile Msila
Tswina ya poko by Kaka Mokakale
Amajingiqhiw’ entlalo by Anelisa Thengimfene
Dark Horse by Michèle Betty
Small Souls: New and Collected Poems by Stephen Symons
Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award
White Chalk by Terry-Ann Adams
Creative Non-Fiction Literary Award
The Lost Prince of the ANC: The Life and Times of Jabulani Nobleman ‘Mzala’ Nxumalo by Mandla J. Radebe,
Can Themba: The Making and Breaking of the Intellectual Tsotsi, a Biography by Siphiwo Mahala
(Read also: Cassava Republic Press Launches Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize)
Novel Award
Intlungu yokuhlalwa lilahle emhlana by Sipho Kekezwa
Re Hwile La Pitsana by Kobate John Sekele
An Angel’s Demise by Sue Nyathi
Hone Hu Tshi Tea U Maliwa Nga vhugai by Thivhusiwi Tshindane Tshivhula
Two Tons O’ Fun by Fred Khumalo