;The Achmat Dangor Literary Prize is interested in providing financial support for ‘young, previously disadvantaged writers’ to pursue an MA in Creative Writing at Wits University.

The award aims to ensure the enduring legacy of Achmat Dangor, an acclaimed South African writer and activist. All young African creative writers working in any genre (poetry, fiction, script writing, creative nonfiction) residing in South Africa are encouraged to apply for this prize. 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 successfully completing the MA programme.

Interested in an MFA in Creative Writing? Check out this Webinar on getting fully funded scholarships. 

Eligibility Guidelines for the Achmat Dangor Literary Prize

• 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

To learn more about this, visit their X (FKA Twitter) Page.