Dinaane Debut Fiction Award Explained

The Dinaane Debut Fiction Award – formerly the European Union Literary Award^[1] – is a South African literary award, open to permanent residents or citizens of South Africa and other southern African countries. The prize was first given in 2004 and was renamed in 2015.^[2] The word “dinaane” means “telling our stories together” in Setswana.^[3]

The prize is an initiative of the Jacana Literary Foundation (JLF), a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to promote and foster excellent writing from southern Africa, in partnership with Johannesburg-based publisher Jacana Media. External funding allows the JLF to publish and disseminate literature that might not otherwise be commercially viable.^[4]

The competition accepts debut, unpublished works of fiction (novel or novella). Authors must not have had a work of fiction formally published prior to the award. Self-published authors may apply, provided that the work has only been published online. Although the entries must be primarily in English, Jacana welcomes innovative writing that captures the multilingual African landscape.The winner is awarded R35 000 and a publishing contract from Jacana Media. In addition, the Kraak Writing Grant is awarded to an entrant whose manuscript showed great promise. The grant is valued at R25,000 and is dedicated to the memory of writer and human rights activist Gerald Kraak. ^[5]

Other projects currently administered by the JLF are:

• The Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award and Anthology: Named after South African writer Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, the Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award and Anthology are made possible through ongoing support by the European Union. Up to three poems in any of South Africa’s official languages may be submitted, and the longlist published in an anthology. Cash prizes of R6000, R4000 and R2000 are awarded to the winner and runners-up. ^[6]
• The Gerald Kraak Anthology and Prize: Created in honour of Gerald Kraak, this prize invites submissions from writers and photographers across Africa on the topics of gender, human rights and sexuality. ^[7]

Winners

Dinaane Debut Fiction Award

• 2023/2024: Lindani Mbunyuza-Memani, Buried in the Chest ^[8]
• 2022: [no award]
• 2021: [no award]
• 2020: Resoketswe Manenzhe, Scatterlings ^[9]
• 2019: Mubanga Kalimamukwento, The Mourning Bird ^[10]
• 2015/2016: Tammy Baikie, Selling LipService^[11]

European Union Literary Award

• 2014: Andrew Miller, Dub Steps^[12]
• 2013: Penny Busetto, The Story of Anna P, as Told by Herself^[13]
• 2011/12: Ashraf Kagee, Khalil's Journey ^[14]
• 2010: James Clelland, Deeper than Colour^[15]
• 2009: Zinaid Meeran, Saracen at the Gates ^[16]
• 2008: Megan Voysey-Braig,Till We Can Keep an Animal^[17]
• 2007: Kopano Matlwa, Coconut ^[18]
• 2006: [no award]
• 2005: Fred Khumalo, Bitches' Brew; and Gerald Kraak, Ice in the Lungs ^[19]
• 2004: Ishtiyaq Shukri, The Silent Minaret^[20]

External links

• Dinaane Debut Fiction Award, official site

Notes and References

1. Web site: The European Union Literary Award for Debut Fiction . Jacana. 8 September 2024 .
2. News: The Dinaane Debut Fiction Award. 2024-09-06. Jacana.
3. News: Announcing the Shortlist for the 2023 Dinaane Debut Fiction Award. 2024-02-28. Brittle Paper.
4. Web site: Jacana Literary Foundation. Jacana. 2024-09-08.
5. Web site: Dinaane Debut Fiction Award and Kraak Writing Grant winners announced. Sunday Times.
6. Web site: Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award. Jacana .
7. Web site: Gerald Kraak Anthology and Prize. Jacana.
8. Web site: Lindani Mbunyuza-Memani Wins Dinaane Debut Fiction Award . Brittle Paper. 26 July 2024. 8 September 2024.
9. Web site: Resoketswe Manenzhe Wins 2020 Dinaane Debut Fiction Award for Her Novel, Scatterlings. Brittle Paper. Chukwuebuka. Ibeh. 24 February 2020. 8 September 2024.
10. Web site: Mubanga Kalimamukwento wins Dinaane Debut Fiction Award for her novel The Mourning Bird . readinglist.click . 12 March 2019. 17 April 2019.
11. Web site: Selling LipService by Tammy Baikie. Pen South Africa. 7 December 2016 . 8 September 2024.
12. News: Sekhotho. Katleho. Debut author wins publishing deal and R35 000. 15 August 2015. Wits Vuvuzela. May 7, 2015.
13. Web site: Announcing the Winner of the 2013 European Union Literary Award. Books LIVE. 17 July 2015.
14. News: Academic named top novelist . IOL . Stephanie. Nieuwoudt . 26 April 2012 . 8 September 2024 .
15. News: Book review: Morbid but irresistible . Mail&Guardian. 11 August 2010. Craig. McKenzie. 8 September 2024 .
16. News: Not politically correct . The Witness. 23 December 2009. 8 September 2024 .
17. News: 'I can count on one hand the nights we’ve slept apart'. Mail&Guardian. 22 January 2009. 8 September 2024 .
18. News: From The Coconut to the Spilt Milk to Period Pains . IOL . 4 November 2016. 8 September 2024. Amanda . Maliba .
19. News: Double makes trouble . Mail&Guardian. 30 June 2006. 8 September 2024.
20. News: Written in secret. Ishtiyaq. Shukri. 24 August 2015. Mail & Guardian. 4 February 2005.