The University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing (UJ Prize) has announced its 2023 winners. Morabo Morojele’s Three Egg Dilemma is the Main Prize winner and Jarred Thompson’s The Institute for Creative Dying wins the Debut Prize. Morojele and Thompson will receive R75,000.00 and R45,000.00 respectively at a ceremony hosted at the University of Johannesburg on October 10, 2024.

This year’s panel of judges includes Prof Ronit Frenkel (Chair), Prof Sikhumbuzo Mngadi, Prof Marzia Milazzo, Dr Rebecca Fasselt, Dr Thabo Tsehloane, Prof Grace Musila, and Prof Nedine Moonsamy. In a press release announcing the winners, Dr Tšehloane praises Morojele’s novel for its use of humor to execute social critique.

Three Egg Dilemma is a witty, thought-provoking novel that blends humour with social critique. The novel masterfully navigates the complex dilemmas of modern life, grappling with tensions between tradition and identity…Morojele’s humour and insight make the novel both accessible and profound, offering a meaningful exploration of the challenges facing contemporary African society. With its vibrant characters and satirical tone, Three Egg Dilemma offers readers a fresh and engaging perspective on contemporary African life.

Prof. Frenkel said that Jarred Thompson’s book offers a fascinating reading experience:

extraordinarily original and beautifully crafted novel that heralds the emergence of a new literary star in South Africa…The book is interspersed with moments of joy, beauty and insight while the characters seek meaning in a difficult world. Issues around mortality and the interconnectedness of everything frame the narrative in profound ways that force the reader to ponder the very same questions when the ending is already known – that, inevitably, we will all die.

In addition to the cash prize awarded to the two winners, the top three nominees in each category will receive certificates of recognition.

Congratulations to Morabo Morojele and Jarred Thompson!

Three Egg Dilemma: Amazon  |  The Institute for Creative Dying: Amazon