The 19th edition of the South African Literary Awards (SALA) was held with great fanfare, honoring South Africa’s literary luminaries at the Ditsong Museum of Cultural History in Pretoria. Recognized as the “Oscars” of South Africa’s literary calendar, SALA brought together a host of dignitaries, writers, translators, and literary practitioners, celebrating the best in South African literature across 16 categories.

Founded in 2005 by wRite associates in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, SALA has become a cornerstone of literary recognition in the country. This year’s event marked months of meticulous work to evaluate numerous nominees and select the deserving winners, making for a spectacular evening dedicated to literary excellence.

Mr. Morakabe Raks Seakhoa, founder and organizer of SALA, expressed his satisfaction with the continuation of this longstanding tradition. He emphasized the importance of recognizing South Africa’s diverse literary talent, particularly the promotion of indigenous languages. “It has been a long but fascinating process to identify the outstanding nominees from which to select winners,” Seakhoa also shared his excitement for the upcoming 20th anniversary of SALA, envisioning it as an even more remarkable celebration of South Africa’s literary achievements.

The awards ceremony was held alongside the 12th Africa Century International African Writers Conference, coinciding with two significant milestones: the 33rd International African Writers’ Day and the celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa. The International African Writers’ Day, first established in 1991 by the Conference of African Ministers of Education and Culture in Cotonou, Benin, is celebrated on November 7 and has become an important day of reflection and recognition for writers across the continent.

Across their 16 categories, 27 winners were announced! Featuring works in genres from childrens literature, to first time published works, to non-fiction, this award has a piece of literature for anyone!

2024 WINNERS

Children’s Literature Award

  • Kwazi Ndlangisa: Vukani Kusile
  • Deidré Jantjies: Stories in die wind

Youth Literature Award

  • Kobate John Sekele: Ba Kwa Ka Letlalo
  • Nellie Alberts: Reg in die middel van nêrens

First-Time Published Author Award

  • Mafika Jetro Mahlangu: Umrhayili
  • Bonga Matu: Thula Mama Thula – Big Girls don’t Cry
  • Sinethemba Simlindile Bhila: Hawu Mfundisi
  • Lwando Dlephu: Amava Ahlabahlosile
  • Beauty Maretsane Madihlabe: Ke tlo mo paledisa

K. Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award

  • Sihle Qwabe: The Resurrection

Poetry Award

  • Fhulufhelo Ntsieni: Rudzani
  • Sithembele Isaac Xhegwana: Dark Lines of History: Poems

Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award

  • Dawn Garisch: What Remains

Creative Non-Fiction Literary Award

  • Sihle Khumalo: Milk the Beloved Country

Novel Award

  • Barry Gilder: At Fire Hour
  • Jabulane Johan Ncongwane: Lifa Letilima
  • Sithembile Mputa: Unyana Wolahleko
  • SJ Naudé: Van vaders en vlugtelinge
  • Kabelo Duncan Kgatea: Tsamaya sentle ‘tata’ Mandela

Literary Translators Award

  • Misokuhle Nyathikazi: Ntofo-Ntofo
  • Michiel Heyns: The Dao of Daniel
  • Vonani Bila: Khanimamba N’wantlhadyana na Mbila
  • Eben Venter: Decima

Chairperson’s Literary Award

  • Barbara Masekela

Lifetime Achievement Literary Award

  • Kanakana Yvonne Ladzani: For her Body of Work

Literary Journalism Award

  • Gugulethu Mhlungu: For Literary Promotional Work
  • SAFM: SABC English Radio Station: The Book Reading Programme