South African novelist Zukiswa Wanner has been awarded the 2020 Goethe Medal.
The official honor by The German government is annually conferred by Goethe-Institut, on individuals “who have made an outstanding contribution to international cultural exchange”.
Wanner, who is the first female African awardee, received the medal alongside Bolivian artist and museum director Elvira Espejo Ayca and Booker Prize-winning British author Ian McEwan.
The theme of this year’s award is “Accepting contradictions – the fruits of contradiction.”
On Zukiswa Wanner as a choice awardee, the medal jury notes:
Her conception of herself as an African writer leads her to range far beyond national frontiers in her writing, while at the same time bringing the diversity of African culture into her artistic work. Her detailed knowledge of South African literature and her nuanced understanding of regional discourses and female identity in Africa mean her expertise is internationally sought after; she is also a role model for an entire generation of African writers.
Some great news: Zukiswa Wanner, South African author and publisher, wins the 2020 Goethe medal! The award is an official decoration of the Federal Republic of Germany and honours luminaries who have done outstanding work for international cultural relations! @AfroYoungAdult pic.twitter.com/esh8bOs1JP
— Goethe-Institut JHB (@goethejoburg) April 29, 2020
Brittle Paper congratulates Zukiswa Wanner.
South African Writer Zukiswa Wanner Awarded the 2020 Goethe Medal - The Lagos Review May 06, 2020 10:43
[…] Zambian-born South African writer Zukiswa Wannerhas been awarded this year’s Goethe Medal, Brittle Paper reports. According to the Goethe Institut, the annual awardis given on behalf of the German government to […]