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The Achmat Dangor Literary Prize is dedicated to nurturing young, previously disadvantaged writers by providing the financial support needed to pursue an MA in Creative Writing at Wits University. This prestigious award aims to ensure the enduring legacy of Achmat Dangor, an acclaimed South African writer and activist.

Application Criteria

Who Can Apply: Young creative writers working in any genre (poetry, fiction, script writing, creative nonfiction).

Eligibility:

• Young, previously disadvantaged writers.
• Completion of, or current enrolment in, an Honours Degree or equivalent writing/publishing experience (candidates without an Honours may be considered based on their writing or extensive publishing history).
• Open to South African citizens and citizens of other African countries residing in South Africa whose writing reflects or engages with South African experiences, themes, voices, and the country’s place in the world.
• Open to writers working in English or in the diverse “Englishes” that reflect the fluid mix of languages in South Africa.

Application Requirements:

CV: A comprehensive curriculum vitae.

Cover Letter: A detailed letter outlining motivations and challenges faced, as well as:

• A brief explanation of your reading and writing interests;
• details of your publishing history;
• a brief sketch of the project you would like to explore should you be awarded the Prize.
• your motivations for writing;
• your personal challenges or obstacles to writing; and
• any awards or accolades received for your writing; and
• whether you would still like to be considered for the MA in Creative Writing at Wits if you do not receive the award.

Writing Portfolio:

• If you intend to write a novel, collection of short fiction, or a memoir or work of creative nonfiction, at least fifty pages (1.5 spacing) of prose (fiction or creative nonfiction).
• If you intend to write a poetry manuscript, at least twenty-five poems or twenty-five pages of poetry.
• If you intend to write a play for the MA: a full-length play manuscript.
• You may include examples of your published work, but at least half of the writing submitted should be unpublished. Academic papers, journalism, and press releases will not be accepted as part of the portfolio but can be listed in your CV.

Application Deadline:

• Closing Date: September 15, 2024
• Send your application (including all the required documents) to stacy.hardy@wits.ac.za
• Announcement of Recipient: Mid to late October 2024, during a special ceremony celebrating Dangor’s birthday month.

Selection Process:

The selection process, overseen by the Wits Creative Writing Department and a dedicated selection committee, will ensure fairness and transparency in awarding the prize.

Prize Details:

The Achmat Dangor Literary Prize will be awarded every two years, starting in 2024, supporting at least four students over the next eight years. This initiative is part of the Achmat Dangor Legacy Project (ADLP), which celebrates and preserves Achmat’s life and work.

The winner will be expected to attend the award ceremony at Wits University and write two reflective pieces about the award– one upon being awarded the prize and another upon successful completion of the MA programme.

In an interview with Elaine Young, 2002, Dangor, had this to say.

“Writing is far more dynamic and sensitive, and it engages human beings in different responses; the reader and the writer relate to each other in different ways.”

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact the Wits Creative Writing Department:

• Email: stacy.hardy@wits.ac.za 
• Phone: (011) 717 4211

Join them in celebrating the legacy of Achmat Dangor by inspiring the next generation of literary talent. Apply now and take the first step toward a transformative journey in creative writing.