By Lindokuhle Fuba
Makhanda’s passionate author, Sthembele Xhegwana, is delighted to have his two books on the 2024 South African Literary Awards (SALA) longlist.
The books are Dark Lines of History, an English collection of poems, as well as Iziyaca: Ingqokelela yemibongo, written in isiXhosa.
Both books were published in September last year and both are in the Poetry Award category.
The SALA celebrates literary excellence across various genres in South Africa. Established in 2005, SALA honours both established and emerging writers who contribute to the country’s rich literary heritage.
Categories include novels, poetry, children’s literature, journalism, literary translations, and indigenous language writing. The awards aim to recognise diverse voices, promote a culture of reading, and encourage the growth of South African literature.
The year 2024 marks the 19th edition of the SALA and set to take place on 7 November 2024, at the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History in Pretoria to celebrate South Africa’s rich literary heritage.
The judging process for this year’s awards is currently underway by a distinguished panel made up of more than 30 members. The nominees will be announced at the awards ceremony, a highlight in South Africa’s literary calendar.
In addition to the SALA ceremony, the 12th Africa Century International African Writers Conference will be held on the same day, celebrating the 33rd International African Writers’ Day and 30 years of South Africa’s freedom and democracy.
Meanwhile, Xhegwana, 52, a curator at Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, says to have his books longlisted in the SALA is “a great honour, especially in two separate languages”.
“My publisher, Mwanaka Media & Publishing is also elated. This is not only about my personal profile, but also both my communities will claim stake on this achievement, here and at Debe Nek,” said an ecstatic Xhegwana.
He said he started writing books in the 1980’s, with his first book published in 1991 while doing his matric.
The passionate author explained that his first book was an English novel, but he has written other books, most of them poetry collections.
Xhegwana said he would find out after 15 October if his books have been shortlisted.
Looking back, Xhegwana says writing came naturally to him. “I wouldn’t say that I have a purpose for writing books. Writing is something natural to me, just like kicking a ball. I grew up doing that.
“I used to tell stories because I could not write, people would sit around me and listen, and laugh. Some would even throw coins in front of me. Remember, I said my first book was published in 1991, of course it was during the time of Apartheid.”
