UJ announces 2016 South African Literary Award shortlist

The English Department at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has named the nominees for the The University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing in English published in 2016.

The UJ Prize has two categories, Main and Debut, and is open to creative writing in any genre. Approximately 60 works were submitted this year, from which the following books were selected for the short list.

The UJ Prize comes with a R75,000 cash award, while the UJ Debut Prize is worth R35,000.

The jury comprised authors Sikumbuzo Mngadi (UJ); Ronit Frenkel (UJ); Danyela Demir (UJ); Nyasha Mboti (UJ); Michael Titlestad (Wits) and Rebecca Fasselt (UP).

Finalists of annual literary award:

Main Prize:
Pleasure by Nthikeng Mohlele
The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso
Sigh the Beloved Country by Bongani Madondo

Debut Prize:
The Yearning by Mohale Mashigo
Loud and Yellow Laughter by Sindiswa Busuku-Mathese
Tjieng-Tjang and Other Stories by Jolyn Philips
The Keeper of the Kumm by Sylvia Vollenhoven

A formal prize-giving ceremony will be held at a function later in the year.