Introducing The 2023 UJ Prize Shortlist 

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The University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing (UJ Prize) has revealed its shortlist for books published in 2023. Here’s a list of all shortlisted books according to their respective categories:

Debut Prize

  • A Soft Landing (novel) by Wisani Mushwana
  • Guerrillas and Combative Mothers (non-fiction) by Siphokazi Magadla
  • The Institute for Creative Dying (novel) by Jarred Thompson

Main Prize

  • Breasts, etc. (novel) by Nthikeng Mohlele
  • Paperless (novel) by Buntu Siwisa
  • Three Egg Dilemma (novel) by Morabo Morojele

The University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing, also known as the UJ Prize, is awarded annually by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for the best creative works in each of five categories: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Northern Sotho, and Literary Translation. There are usually two prizes, a main prize and a debut prize, in each category. The prizes are not linked to a specific genre, and each year’s prize rewards work published in the previous year.

The winner of the main prize in each category receives R70 000, the winner of each debut prize receives R35 000, and the winner of the Literary Translation prize receives R50 000.

Winners will be announced before the end of September.

Congratulations to all shortlisted authors!

Bakare Oluwatobiloba

I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!