The PEN chapter in South Africa has had its Annual General Meeting. The president Kerneel Breytenbach gave a speech. He is in his third term and his last one for the Chapter that stands for the Afrikaner language. He highlights some of the important points and the prizes that have been awarded. Read his speech … Continue reading PEN Afrikaans AJV 2017
The rise of fascism and the corporatisation of political power
The Kenyan writer and journalist Rasna Warah has seen a movie on the nazi-regime in Germany. She writes also about the political situation in Kenya, and putting this situation in a wider context. A thoughtful piece of writing. Just take your time. It is added that it is a 14 minutes read (more or less).
Graywolf Press Africa Prize
The Nigerian author A. Igoni Barrett (see picture) is the jury, in connection with some people from the publishing house Graywolf Press. The project is set up for a first novel manuscript. The winner will get a publication and a bunch of dollar notes as an advance. The publisher will make an effort to get … Continue reading Graywolf Press Africa Prize
The Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award 2017
Sol T. (I missed this letter in the announcement) Plaatje’s name has been attached to a poetry award. The competition is open for South African poets. Three names now have been put on the shortlist so time is nearing for the final announcement. More information can be found here.
A special opportunity to listen to literary legend Achmat Dangor
You have the chance to meet the South African writer at a session with tea and snacks. It will come in handy when you live in South Africa, and even better when you live in or near Birdhaven. Literary birds of all kinds of feathers will flock to listen to the master who will talk … Continue reading A special opportunity to listen to literary legend Achmat Dangor
Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets
There is another opportunity to enter a competition for African poets. I assume there are many poets running around with beautiful lines in their heads. Just take your time to set down, or have a second look at what you have written in the past few months. Have another go at the pages and your … Continue reading Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets
books touched by Africa 