The University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing in English has named its 2025 winners following rigorous evaluation by a six-member panel drawn from three universities. The adjudication panel, chaired by Prof Ronit Frenkel of the University of Johannesburg, included Prof Sikhumbuzo Mngadi, Prof Marzia Milazzo, Prof Rebecca Fasselt (University of Pretoria), Prof Grace Musila (University of the Witwatersrand), and Prof Nedine Moonsamy. Prof Frenkel noted the exceptional quality of entries this year, stating, “It has been a very difficult year to assess the entries as we had so many excellent choices from both very well-known authors and new voices. As usual, we have read across genres to select our winners.” The prize, which is open to published South African works in English across all literary genres, has recognized three outstanding titles from 2024.

Siphokazi Jonas wins the Debut Prize for Weeping Becomes a River, a poetry collection that impressed judges with its distinctive voice. “Our debut winner introduces audiences to a new voice in South African poetry, who we believe is a rising star in the literary world,” Prof Frenkel remarked. Jonas becomes one of the rare poets to claim the prize, which traditionally sees competition from multiple genres. In her acceptance, Jonas drew attention to pressing political concerns: “Thank you to the judges for this award. The freedom to write without censorship is a privilege. But it is a difficult privilege to enjoy when fellow writer, Zukiswa Wanner, who was aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has just been kidnapped by the Israeli Occupying Forces. We call on the South African government to facilitate the release of our courageous citizens with urgency.”

The Main Prize saw a closely contested race, resulting in joint winners: Barbara Boswell for The Comrade’s Wife and Shubnum Khan for The Lost Love of Akbar Manzil. Prof Frenkel described the winning novels as reflecting “South Africa’s extraordinary range with the genre, spanning realism to the gothic, in contemporary form.” Khan, who worked on her novel for eight years, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “I am so honoured to be awarded this prize. The Lost Love of Akbar Manzil has been a novel I’ve been working on for 8 years through some of the most significant changes in my life, so not only is it a very special book to me, but I am immensely grateful to see it being acknowledged in such an esteemed space in this country. I didn’t know this book would be received here at first – a Gothic novel set in Durban? I thought readers would baulk and think it too fantastical for our literary landscape, but at every turn, I have been so surprised by the amount of support it receives. It reminds me as always that our diversity, our ability to embrace all kinds of stories and eagerness for the unknown is our strength as South Africans. Lastly, I am honoured to share this joint award with Barbara Boswell, whose works bring so much to the South African literary landscape and whom I have long admired.”

The joint Main Prize winners will each receive R75,000, while the Debut Prize winner receives R45,000. All top three nominees in their respective categories will receive certificates of recognition.