Foundation are excited to announce the launch of a new book prize aimed at supporting black
South African authors who are currently working on their second manuscript. The prize is
designed to provide these writers with concentrated time and space to complete their
manuscript, by offering them a writing residency, a cash stipend, and final editing of their
complete book.
Named in honour of acclaimed South African author Achmat Dangor, who used his literary
works to explore the themes of apartheid, race, and identity, the prize aims to continue his
legacy by supporting and promoting South African literature. The project will be managed by the
Leseding La Dinaledi Foundation, led by Thabiso Mahlape, the founder of Blackbird Books.
The winner of the book prize will receive a three-month writing residency at the Nirox
Foundation, which includes a luxurious two-bedroom double-story house with a large double-
volume studio, mezzanine workspace, lounge, dining, and entertainment facility, and a separate
self-contained 2-bedroom cottage overlooking the water. The residency also includes fully
serviced amenities such as meals and Wi-Fi, as well as access to the Sculpture Park’s 30-
hectare garden and on-site restaurant. The prize will also include a R45,000 cash prize and
R30,000 worth of editing to help the winner complete their next manuscript and publish their
book.
The Book Prize is open to all published African authors who are currently working on their
second manuscript. Submissions for the prize will be open from June to July 2023, and the
winner will be announced in October 2023. The writing residency will take place from April to
June 2024.
Authors who would like to enter the Book Prize should submit three chapters of their second
manuscript as well as a short bio and a synopsis of said work to info@blackbirdbooks.africa
before the 31 st July 2023
Thabiso Mahlape, managing partner of the project, said, “We aim to further support writers by
providing them with the necessary tools and space to create. We endeavour to be a platform
that is a promoter for exploring new perspectives, initiating conversations, and inspiring the
community through literature.”
For more information on the Book Prize Contact: Leseding La Dinaledi Foundation
info@blackbirdbooks.africa +27 (0) 12 012 5860