2024 South African Literary Awards celebrates 19 years of literary excellence, longlist revealed

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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

Youth Literature Award

First-time Published Author Award

k. Sello Duiker Memorial Award

Poetry Award

Creative Non-Fiction Award

Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award

Novel Award

Literary Translators Award

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/