South African Literary Awards (SALA)

みなみあふりかぶんがくしょう

A literary award presented annually since 2005 to South African writers. Recognizes literary excellence across multiple categories.

Children's literatureYouth LiteratureLiterary JournalismNovelPoetryCreative Non-FictionFirst-Time Published Author (Debut)Literary TranslatorsK. Sello Duiker Memorial Award (for novelists under 40)Nadine Gordimer Short Story AwardPoet Laureate PrizesLifetime Achievement AwardPosthumous Literary AwardChairperson's Literary Award

Established: 2005
Organizer: wRite associates (SALA) in partnership with the South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC)
Category: Children's Literature, Fairy Tales, and Picture Books
Selection Method: Open call
Target: Newcomer
Frequency: 1 per year
Announcement Period: around November
Status: Active

Description

South African Literary Awards (SALA) was established in 2005 and is operated by wRite associates in partnership with the South African Department of Arts and Culture. Works in 11 official languages are eligible, recognizing literary excellence in categories such as children's literature, youth literature, literary journalism, novels, poetry, creative non-fiction, debut works, translations, and more. Since 2012, the awards ceremony has often been held at the Africa Century International Writers Conference. Winners in each category receive R30,000 (as of 2021), and the National Poet Laureate receives R100,000. Special awards such as posthumous awards and lifetime achievement awards are also presented.

Prize

Main Prize: Prize money is awarded to winners in each category (e.g., R30,000 per award as of 2021). National Poet Laureate receives R100,000.
Cash Prize: 30,000 ZAR

National Poet Laureate: R100,000 (as of 2021)
Special awards such as Lifetime Achievement Award and posthumous awards
Promotion of winning works (introductions at conferences and events)

Selection

Selection Process

Stage	Judges	Pass Rate	Announcement
Application/Submission	Received by SALA secretariat. Judging panels appointed for each category begin the review process	—	Winners are usually announced at the Africa Century International Writers Conference (e.g., annually in November)
Judging (Selection by committee)	Judging panels of field-specific experts (appointed by SALA)	—	—
Final selection/Approval	Final approval by SALA Advisory Board and Chairperson	—	Winners are formally announced at the awards ceremony

Application/Submission

Judges Received by SALA secretariat. Judging panels appointed for each category begin the review process

Announcement Winners are usually announced at the Africa Century International Writers Conference (e.g., annually in November)

Judging (Selection by committee)

Judges Judging panels of field-specific experts (appointed by SALA)

Final selection/Approval

Judges Final approval by SALA Advisory Board and Chairperson

Announcement Winners are formally announced at the awards ceremony

Criteria

Literary excellence in depicting and sharing South Africa's history, values, philosophy, and arts
Creativity and innovation (ground-breaking qualities)
Mastery of style, expression, and themes in the work (literary craftsmanship)
Contribution in one of South Africa's 11 official languages (evaluation of linguistic diversity)
For lifetime achievement and posthumous awards: overall achievements and long-term contributions

Application Tips

Dos

Always check the entry requirements and category regulations on the official website (sala.org.za)
Ensure submissions are original and clearly fit the relevant category (debut, translation, poetry, etc.)
Specify the language of the work and attach summaries or translations (e.g., English) if necessary to assist judging
Follow rules on submission format, page limits, file formats, etc.
Adhere to deadlines and submission methods; prepare required documents such as copyright and publishing history

Don''ts

Do not submit in inappropriate formats that violate entry requirements
Do not declare false award or publishing history
Do not force works that do not fit a category into another category
Do not add or modify materials after the submission deadline
Do not submit others' works without permission (avoid copyright infringement)

From Judges

Clearly demonstrate how the work expresses South Africa's history, values, and culture
Value language-specific expressions and regional characteristics; preserve original nuances if providing translations
Emphasis on originality and mastery of style
Prepare application documents clearly and professionally to help judges understand the work's background