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Maskew Miller Longman Literature Awards

ますきゅー・みらー・ろんぐまん ぶんがくしょう

Public award for youth literature established by South African publisher Maskew Miller Longman, accepting submissions in 11 official languages.

Children's literatureYouth literatureNovelsDramaShort storiesIllustration11 official languages of South Africa
Established
1980
Organizer
Maskew Miller Learning (formerly Pearson South Africa)
Category
Children's Literature, Fairy Tales, and Picture Books
Selection Method
Open call
Target
Open
Frequency
1 per year
Announcement Period
around November
Status
Active

Description

The Maskew Miller Longman Literature Awards were established around 1980 by the South African educational publisher Maskew Miller Longman (now part of Pearson). The purpose is to promote writing in South Africa's 11 official languages, particularly targeting works for young audiences. Genres—novels, drama, and short stories—rotate annually, which is a distinctive feature. Past judges include André Brink, John Kani, Riana Scheepers, Andries Oliphant, Niki Daly, and others. Note that the article itself requires updates, and the latest information should be confirmed on the organizer's official website.

Prize

Main Prize
Recognition for winners and opportunities for publication and promotion of the works. No specific prize amount is mentioned in the sources.
  • Publication and promotion opportunities for winning works
  • Recognition for runners-up
  • Some works may have opportunities for selection to IBBY Honour List, etc.

Selection

Selection Process

Submission intake
Judges Maskew Miller Longman accepts submissions. Entries are submitted according to the specified genre for that year.
Announcement After the submission deadline, the organizer confirms acceptance (detailed schedule per official announcement).
First round (document screening)
Judges Panel of editors and experts (past judges e.g., André Brink, John Kani, Riana Scheepers, etc.)
Announcement Shortlisted entrants are selected internally and proceed to the next stage (specific pass rate unknown).
Final selection (judging panel)
Judges Judging by the selection committee (multiple members). In the past, prominent writers and directors have participated.
Announcement Winners are announced on the organizer's official website or press releases (e.g., 2014 announcement in November).

Criteria

  • Literary quality (writing style and structure)
  • Suitability for young readers (content appropriate for target age)
  • Originality
  • Quality of expression in the submission language
  • Fit to the specified genre for that year
  • Relevance to cultural and regional context

Application Tips

Dos

  • Confirm the specified genre for that year (novels, drama, short stories, etc.) before applying
  • Write clearly in one of South Africa's 11 official languages
  • Use tone and expression mindful of the target audience (children/youth)
  • Strictly adhere to submission format and entry guidelines
  • Conduct language proofreading or native speaker checks

Don''ts

  • Do not submit works that do not fit the specified genre or target age
  • Do not submit in formats violating guidelines (word count/format violations)
  • Do not submit previously published works or other award winners without permission
  • Do not include excessive violence or sexual content inappropriate for young audiences

From Judges

  • Emphasize clear narrative voice and structure that appeals to young readers
  • Evaluate accuracy of language expression and consideration of cultural context
  • Value originality and lasting impression (aftertaste)

Related Awards

  • IBBY Honour List (International Board on Books for Young People's recommendation list)
  • South African literary awards (other South African literary awards)
  • Maskew Miller Longman's related publishing programs

Official Resources

https://www.mml.co.za/

Past Winners

Edition 0 (2018)
Musa Baloyi Winner
Edition 0 (2017)
Alwyn Tredoux Winner
Clare Houston Winner
Zukiswa Pakama Winner
Maledimo Winfred Moeng Winner
Bongiwe Siphesihle Buthelezi Winner
Edition 0 (2016)
Musa Baloyi Winner
Edition 0 (2015)
Jelleke Wierenga Winner
Bridget Pitt Winner
Sipho Richard Kekezwa Winner
Emmanuel Nkosinathi Nazo Winner
Mabonchi Goodwill Motimele Winner
Thatayaone Raymond Dire Winner
Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho Winner
Conny Masocha Lubisi Winner
Edition 0 (2014)
Cecilia du Toit Winner
Charmaine Kendal Winner
Madoda Mlokoti Winner
Nakanjani Sibiya Winner
Phillip Mothupi Winner
Nekhavhambe Khalirendwe Winner
Conny Masocha Lubisi Winner
Edition 0 (2013)
François Verster Winner
Maria Phalime Winner
Zukiswa Pakama Winner
Mandla Ndlovu Winner
Jimmy Moshidi Winner
Lehlohonolo Mokoena Winner
Richard Moloele Winner
Connie M. Lubisi Winner
Edition 0 (2012)
Cecilia du Toit Winner
Karina Magdalena Szczurek Winner
Cecilia du Toit Winner
Athini Watu Winner
Mbongeni C. Nzimande Winner
Kgoeli E. Phlosi Winner
Tebogo D. Maahlamela Winner
Letia J. Gabonnwe Winner
Petras T. Jele Winner
Hednar R. Tshianane Winner
Masocha Lubisi Winner
Edition 0 (2010)
Jelleke Wierenga Winner
Gail Smith Winner
Sivuyile Mazantsi Winner
Norman Mahlanya Winner
Conny Lubisi Winner
Edition 0 (2009)
Annami Simon Winner
Karen Jennings Winner
Moses S. K. Mahlangu Winner
Phakamile Gongo Winner
Mandla Ndlovu Winner
M. P. Mathete Winner
Kgotso Pieter David Maphalla Winner
Mpumelelo N. Mkhatshwa Winner
Lufuno Ndlovu Winner
Conny Lubisi Winner
Edition 0 (2008)
Cecilia du Toit Winner
Charles J. Fourie Winner
N. Tutani Winner
P. F. Kekane Winner
Aletta Motimele Winner
Teboho Letshaba Winner
Kobelo Stephen Naledi Winner
Domina Napoleon Munzhelele Winner
Conny Lubisi Winner
Edition 0 (2007)
Jaco Jacobs Winner
Dianne Case Winner
Yvonne Hart Winner
M. M. Ndlovu Winner
Aletta Motimele Winner
P. Tseole Winner
H. R. Tshianane Winner
Conny Lubisi Winner