Submit poems for awards

The Jacana Literary Foundation is calling for submissions for the Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award and Anthology, before 5pm on March 31.

Up to three poems in any of SA’s official languages can be submitted via the online entry form on the Jacana website and entrants are encouraged to submit work written in their mother tongue.

The work submitted is judged blind by a panel of four esteemed poets.

As in previous years, a long list of the best entries received will be published in volume 9 of the anthology.

A short list of three poets is selected from the long list, and those finalists will be invited to attend an event in mid-October, where the winner will be announced and cash prizes awarded.

Named after Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje (1876–1932), the award recognises the life and vision of this highly respected political and social activist.

The hope is that poems submitted will reveal the political and social attitudes of our time, and reflect the complex, nuanced and uncomfortable truths of life in SA.

Cash prizes are awarded to the short list of R6,000 for first place, R4,000 for second and R2,000 for third.

● Further information on awards@jacana.co.za or visit the foundation’s website.