The Jacana Literary Foundation (JLF) is pleased to announce that submissions for the ninth annual Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award and Anthology will be open from 5 to 31 March 2019.

This award and anthology are made possible through ongoing support and partnership with the European Union.

Up to three poems in any of South Africa’s official languages can be submitted via the online entry form that will be put up on the Jacana website on 5 March 2019.

Entrants are encouraged to submit poems written in their mother tongue.

Entries will close at 5 pm on Sunday, 31 March.

The work submitted is judged blind by a panel of four esteemed poets.

As in previous years, a longlist of the best entries received will be published in volume 9 of the anthology. A shortlist of three poets is selected from the longlist, and those finalists will be invited to attend an event in mid-October, where the winner will be announced and cash prizes awarded.

Named after Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje (1876–1932), the award recognises the life and vision of this highly respected political and social activist. The JLF always hopes that it reveals the political and social attitudes of our time, and reflects the complex, nuanced and uncomfortable truths of life in South Africa, and thus, poems which reflect our current realities are warmly welcomed.

Cash prizes are awarded to the shortlist:

• 1st place: R6000
• 2nd place: R4000
• 3rd place: R2000

For more information, contact the Jacana Literary Foundation on awards@jacana.co.za or visit our website.

Categories Fiction South Africa

Tags Jacana Literary Foundation Jacana Media Poetry Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthology Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award