Media24 Books Literary Awards Explained

Media24 Books Literary Awards
Awarded For:Excellent books published under Media24
Country:South Africa
Reward:R35 000
Former Name:Via Afrika Awards
Nasboek Literary Awards
Presenter:Media24

The Media24 Books Literary Awards (known before 2011 as the Via Afrika Awards, and before that as the Nasboek Literary Awards)[1] [2] are a group of five South African literary prizes awarded annually by Media24, the print-media arm of the South African media company Naspers. They are open to authors whose books are published within the Media24 Books stable (previously known as the Via Afrika stable), which includes NB Publishers, Jonathan Ball Publishers, LuxVerbi-BM, NVA, and Van Schaik Publishers.[3] Each award is worth R35 000.[4] The awards comprise:

The Jan Rabie Rapport Prize, for debut works in Afrikaans, was awarded annually at the same awards ceremony as the Media24 prizes from 2004 to 2014, but was open to all South African publishers.[5] The M-Net Literary Awards were also awarded at the same ceremony until 2010.

The 2020 awards were heavily criticised for their lack of diversity. The winners included six white males and one white female, while the 18 judges included of only two people of colour.[6] [7] [8]

W.A. Hofmeyr Prize

The W.A. Hofmeyr Prize is awarded annually for literary excellence in drama, poetry and prose that could "shift the boundaries of Afrikaans literature." It was instituted in 1954 by Nasionale Pers in honour of Afrikaans businessman W.A. Hofmeyr, a former chairman of the company. Originally only books published by Nasionale Boekhandel (NB Publishers) were eligible, but it is now open to all presses within the Media24 stable.[9] As of 2020, the award was worth R35 000.[4]

Winners (1954-2021)!Year!Winner!Work!Shortlisted works!Ref.
2020Zirk van den BergEk wens, ek wens
  • Kerneels Breytenbach, Hond se gedagte
  • Etienne van Heerden, Die biblioteek aan die einde van die wêreld
[10] [11]
2019Lodewyk G. du PlessisDie dao van Daan van der Walt
  • Ingrid Winterbach, Die troebel tyd
  • Charl-Pierre Naudé, Die ongelooflike onskuld van Dirkie Verwey
[12]
2018Eben VenterGroen soos die hemel daarbo [13] [14]
2017Dan Sleigh1795
  • Ryk Hattingh, Huilboek
  • John Miles, Op ’n dag, ’n hond
[15] [16]
2016Ingrid WinterbachVlakwater
  • Lien Botha, Wonderboom
  • Alexander Strachan, Brandwaterkom
[17] [18]
2015Willem AnkerBuys: 'n grensroman
  • Kerneels Breytenbach, Ester
  • Harry Kalmer, 'n Duisend stories oor Johannesburg
  • Francois Smith, Kamphoer
[19] [20]
2014Etienne van HeerdenKlimtol
  • Kerneels Breytenbach and Deon Opperman, Donkerland
  • Eben Venter, Wolf, wolf
[21] [22]
2013Ingrid WinterbachDie aanspraak van lewende wesens
  • Petra Muller, Om die gedagte van geel
  • Johann de Lange, Vaarwel, my effens bevlekte held
[23] [24]
2012Dan SleighWals met Mathilda [25]
2011Alexander StrachanDwaalpoort [26] [27]
2010Eben VenterSanta Gamka [28] [29]
2009Etienne van Heerden30 Nagte in Amsterdam
  • Izak de Vries, Byna liefde
  • Loftus Marais, Staan in die algemeen nader aan vensters
[30] [31]
2008Breyten BreytenbachDie windvanger [32] [33]
2007Ingrid WinterbachDie boek van toeval en toeverlaat [34] [35]
2006Etienne van HeerdenIn stede van die liefde[36]
2005Marlene van NiekerkAgaat
2004Eben VenterBegeerte
2003Dan SleighEilande
2002Karel SchoemanArmosyn van die Kaap
2001Dine van ZylSlagoffers
2000Ingrid WinterbachBuller se plan
1999André P. BrinkDuiwelskloof
1998George WeidemanDie onderskepper
1997Eben VenterEk stamel, ek sterwe
1996Elsa JoubertDie reise van Isobelle
1995Alexander StrachanDie werfbobbejaan
1994Eben VenterFoxtrot van die vleiseters
1993
1992Moerland
1991Sheila CussonsDie knetterende woord[37]
1990T.T. CloeteDriepas[38]
1989Elsa JoubertMissionaris[39]
1988Ernst van HeerdenAmulet teen die vuur
1987Etienne van HeerdenToorberg
1986T.T. CloeteAllotroop
1985Karel Schoeman'n Ander land[40]
1984Henriette GrovéDie kêrel van die Pêrel, of Anatomie van ’n leuenaar
1983Elisabeth EybersBestand
1982Sheila CussonsDie woedende brood
1981T.T. CloeteAngelliera
1980D.J. OppermanKomas uit ’n bamboesstok
1979Elsa JoubertDie swerfjare van Poppie Nongena
1978
1977
1976Freda LindeDie singende gras
1975Ernst van HeerdenTeenstrydige liedere
1974Chris BarnardMahala
1973P.G. du PlessisSiener in die suburbs[41]
1972Sheila CussonsPlektrum
1971
1970P.G. du PlessisDie nag van Legio
1969
1968M.M. WaltersCabala
1967Jaarringe
1966D.J. OppermanDolosse
1965Audrey BlignaultMet ligter tred
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959
1958
1957
1956D.J. OppermanBlom en baaierd
1955MikroDie porseleinkat[42]
1954G.H. FranzRabodutu
D.J. OppermanPeriandros van Korinthe

Herman Charles Bosman Prize

The Herman Charles Bosman Prize, named for South African short-story writer Herman Charles Bosman, recognises excellence in English literary writing, including autobiography, in South Africa.

Winners of the Herman Charles Bosman Prize (1997–2020)!Year!Winner!Work!Shortlisted works!Ref.
2020Trevor SacksLucky Packet [43]
2019Niq MhlongoSoweto, Under the Apricot Tree
2018Ken BarrisThe Life of Worm and Other Misconceptions
2017No award
2016Finuala DowlingThe Fetch
  • Athol Fugard and Paula Fourie, The Shadow of the Hummingbird
2015Michiel HeynsA Sportful Malice
2014Novuyo Rosa TshumaShadows
2013Rustum KozainGroundwork
  • Ken Barris, Life Underwater
  • Chris Wadman, The Unlikely Genius of Dr Cuthbert Kambazuma
2012Michiel HeynsLost Ground
2011Sifiso MzobeYoung Blood [44]
2010Sally-Ann MurraySmall Moving Parts [45]
2009Michiel HeynsBodies Politic [46]
2008No award
  • Gail Dendy, The Lady Missionary (honourable mention)
  • Niq Mhlongo, After Tears (honourable mention)
  • Brent Meersman, Primary Coloured
2007Maxine CaseAll We Have Left Unsaid
  • Ken Barris, What Kind of Child
Kgebetli MoeleRoom 207
2006Simão KikambaGoing Home
2005Keorapetse KgositsileThis Way I Salute You: Selected Poems[47]
2004Rayda JacobsConfessions of a Gambler[48]
2003Ingrid FiskeTerrestrial Things: Poems
2002K. Sello DuikerThe Quiet Violence of Dreams
2001Willemien Le RouxShadow Bird
2000Peter Rudolf Gisela HornMy Voice is Under Control Now
1999
1998Achmat DangorKafka's Curse: A Novella & Three Other Stories
1997Rayda JacobsEyes of the Sky

Recht Malan Prize

The Recht Malan Prize recognises excellent non-fiction or non-literary books in English or Afrikaans, aiming to promote quality of writing, depth of research, and originality of approach. It was first awarded in 1978.

Winners of the Recht Malan Prize (2003–2020)!Year!Winner!Work!Shortlisted works!Ref.
2020Jonny SteinbergOne Day in Bethlehem
  • Adam Habib, Rebels and Rage
  • Michelle le Roux and Dennis Davis, Lawfare
[49]
2019Rob RoseSteinheist
  • Simone Haysom,The Last Words of Rowan du Preez
  • Nathan Trantraal, Wit issie ’n colour nie
2018Jacques PauwThe President’s Keepers
2017Sean ChristieUnder Nelson Mandela Boulevard
  • Daniel Browde, The Relatively Public Life of Jules Browde
  • Kevin Bloom and Richard Poplak, Continental Shift
2016Milton ShainA Perfect Storm
2015Mark GevisserLost and Found in Johannesburg
2014Irina Filatova and Apollon DavidsonThe Hidden Thread
  • Graham Linscott, Into the River of Life
  • Bill Nasson and Albert Grundlingh, The War at Home / Die oorlog kom huis toe
2013Stephen EllisThe External Mission
2012Anton HarberDiepsloot
  • Dawid de Villiers and Mathilda Slabbert, David Kramer: A Biography
  • Paul Holden and Hennie van Vuuren, The Devil in the Detail
2011Bill NassonThe War for South Africa
  • Antony Altbeker, Fruit of a Poisoned Tree
  • Denis Beckett, Radical Middle
2010Elsa JoubertReisiger
2009Tony LeonOn the Contrary
  • Julia Martin, A Millimetre of Dust
Jonny SteinbergThree-Letter Plague
2008Mark GevisserThabo Mbeki: The Dream Deferred
2007Leon RousseauDie groot avontuur
  • Mxolisi Mgxashe, Are You With Us?
  • Sarah Nuttall (ed.), Beautiful Ugly
2006Antony AltbekerThe Dirty Work of Democracy
2005Uma Dhupella-MesthrieGandhi’s Prisoner?
2004Hermann GiliomeeThe Afrikaners
2003Karel SchoemanDie laaste Afrikaanse boek
2002Karel SchoemanDie dogter van Sion [50]

Elisabeth Eybers Prize

The Elisabeth Eybers Prize, named for Afrikaans poet Elisabeth Eybers, recognises poetry in English and Afrikaans. It aims to reward "excellence and innovation" in poetry, and was awarded for the first time in 2014.[51]

Winners of the Elisabeth Eybers Prize (2014–2020)!Year!Winner!Work!Shortlisted works!Ref.
2020Loftus MaraisJan, Piet, Koos and Jakob
2019Gabeba BaderoonThe History of Intimacy
  • Pieter Odendaal, Asof geen berge ooit hier gewoon het nie
2018Marlene van NiekerkIn die stille agterkamer
  • Corné Coetzee, Nou, hier
  • Jolyn Phillips, Radbraak
  • Nathan Trantraal, Alles het niet kom wôd
2017Bibi SlippersFotostaatmajien
2016Gilbert GibsonVry-
2015Antjie KrogMede-wete
  • T.T. Cloete, Karnaval en Lent
  • Charl-Pierre Naudé, Al die lieflike dade
2014Marlene van NiekerkKaar

MER Prizes

The MER Prizes, named after Afrikaans children's author Mimie E. Rothmann, are longstanding awards which recognise illustrated children's books and youth literature, aimed at (but not exclusively for) ages 0–8 and 8–16 respectively. The prize in the children's category is split between the author and the illustrator.

Winners of the MER Prize for Youth Literature (2003–2020)!Year!Writer!Work!Ref.
2020Edyth BulbringThe Choice Between Us
2019S.A. PartridgeMine
2018Carin KrahtzBlou is nie ’n kleur nie
2017Edyth BulbringSnitch
2016Carin KrahtzElton amper famous April en juffrou Brom
2015Andre Eva BoschAlive Again
2014S.A. PartridgeSharp Edges
2013Annelie FerreiraTotsiens, Koning Arthur
2012S.A. PartridgeDark Poppy’s Demise
2011Derick van der WaltWillem Poprok
2010Peter DunseithThe Bird of Heaven
2009Derick van der WaltLien se lankstaanskoene
2008S.A. PartridgeThe Goblet Club
2007Jenny RobsonPraise Song
2006Fanie ViljoenBreinbliksem
2005Anoeschka von MeckVaselinetjie
2004Willem van der WaltRagtime en rocks
2003Jackie NagtegaalDaar is 'n vis in die punch
Winners of the MER Prize for Children's Books (2004–2020)!Year!Writer!Illustrator!Work!Ref.
2020Fanie ViljoenTheodore KeyDie dag toe die draak kom: ’n Boek vir meisies

Die hasie van fluweel

2019Dihanna TauteTheodore Key Die legendariese Lua Verwey
2018Rosamund HadenTony PinchuckThe All Africa Wildlife Express
2017Ingrid Mennen Irene BergInk
2016Elizabeth WassermanAstrid CastleJannus en Kriek en die tydmasjien
2015Fiona MoodieFiona MoodieNoko and the Kool Kats
2014Linda RodeJohann StraussIn die land van pamperlang
2013Ingrid MennenIrene BergBen en die walvisse
2012Alex D’AngeloMarjorie van HeerdenGoblin Diaries
2011Wendy HartmannJoan RankinJust Sisi / Net Sisi
2010Linda RodeFiona MoodieIn the Never-Ever Wood
2009Mari GroblerElizabeth PullesSiyolo’s Jersey / Siyolo se trui
2008Wendy HartmannMarjorie van HeerdenNina and Little Duck
2007Fanie ViljoenKarl StephanGeraamte in die klas
2006Marita van der VyverPiet GroblerMia se Ma
2005Wynand LouwMarjorie van HeerdenMr Humperdinck’s Wonderful Whatsit
2004Martie PrellerVian OelofsenEk is Simon

Jan Rabie Rapport Prize

The Jan Rabie Rapport Prize, named for Afrikaans writer Jan Rabie, is awarded to debut or early works "characterised by fresh and innovative Afrikaans prose." It was given for the first time in 2004, and until 2014 was awarded with the Media24 Books awards, although it was open to books from all publishers. Since 2015, it has been awarded with the kykNET-Rapport Book Prizes, a group of Afrikaans literary awards.[52]

Winners of the Jan Rabie Rapport Prize (2004–2021)!Year!Winner!Work!Ref.
2021Anton RoodtWeerlose meganika
2020
2019
2018
2017Valda JansenHy kom met die skoenlappers
2016
2015
2014Dominique BothaValsrivier
2013M.S. BurgerBloedfamilie
2012S.J. NaudéAlfabet van die voëls
2011Deborah SteinmairMarike se laaste dans
2010Bettina WyngaardTroos vir die gebrokenes
2009Karin CronjeAlles mooi weer
2008Willem AnkerSiegfried
2007Johan EngelbrechtKaffertjie
2006Marlize HobbsFlarde
2005Anoeschka von MeckVaselinetjie
2004KleinboerKontrei

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2010-03-29. 2010 Jan Rabie Rapport and Via Afrika Literary Awards Shortlists. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  2. Web site: 2003-07-20. Young author wins prestigious prize. 2021-11-14. ArtSmart.
  3. Web site: 2009-04-07. 2009 Jan Rabie Rapport and Via Afrika Prizes Shortlists. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  4. Web site: 2020-05-29. Shortlists for 2020 Media24 Books Literary Prizes announced. 2021-11-14. Sunday Times Books. en-ZA.
  5. News: 2012-06-11. Winners of the 2012 Jan Rabie Rapport Prize and Media24 Books Literary Awards. Sunday Times Books. 2011-11-14.
  6. Web site: Eloff. Herman. Media24 Books apologise after outcry over lack of diversity in its annual book awards. 20 June 2020. 2020-06-20. Arts. en.
  7. Web site: 2020-06-19. Writers condemn the lack of diversity in the 2020 Media24 Books Literary Prizes. 2021-11-23. The Johannesburg Review of Books. en-US.
  8. Web site: Williams. Ben. 2020-07-01. We need new (literary) awards. 2021-11-23. Daily Maverick. en.
  9. Web site: 2019-06-13. Media24 Boeke Literêre Pryse vir 2019 bekend. 2021-11-14. LitNet. Afrikaans.
  10. Web site: 2020-06-19. Winners of the 2020 Media24 Books Literary Prizes announced. 2021-11-14. Sunday Times Books. en-ZA.
  11. Web site: 2020-06-18. Media24 Boeke Literêre Pryse: WA Hofmeyrprys vir Afrikaanse fiksie. 2021-11-14. LitNet. Afrikaans.
  12. Web site: 2019-06-13. Winners of 2019 Media24 Books Literary Prizes announced. 2021-11-14. Sunday Times Books. en-ZA.
  13. Web site: Media24 Books 2018 Prize Winners Announced!. 2011-11-14. Puku. en.
  14. Web site: 2018-05-15. Kortlyste vir Media24 Boeke se pryse bekend. 2021-11-14. Netwerk24. af-ZA.
  15. 2017. Literary Awards. Cape Librarian. 61. 5. Western Cape Government.
  16. Web site: 2017-05-22. Kortlyste vir Media24 Boeke-pryse bekend. 2021-11-23. LitNet. Afrikaans.
  17. Web site: 2016-05-23. 2016 Media24 Books Literary Awards shortlists announced. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  18. Web site: 2016-06-24. 2016 Media24 Books Literary Awards winners announced. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  19. News: 2015-06-05. Winners of the 2015 Media24 Books Literary Awards Announced in Cape Town. Sunday Times Books. 2021-11-14.
  20. Web site: 2015-05-19. Announcing the Shortlists for the 2015 Media24 Books Literary Awards. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  21. Web site: 2014-06-06. Winners of the 2014 Media24 Books Literary Awards and Jan Rabie Rapport Prize Announced. Sunday Times Books. 6 July 2015.
  22. Web site: 2014-04-29. The 2014 Media24 Books Literary Awards and Jan Rabie Rapport Prize Shortlists. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  23. News: 2013-06-10. Winners of the 2013 Jan Rabie Rapport Prize and Media24 Books Literary Awards. Sunday Times Books. 2021-11-14.
  24. Web site: 2013-04-22. The 2013 Media24 Books Literary Awards and Jan Rabie Rapport Prize Shortlists. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  25. Web site: 2012-04-23. The 2012 Media24 Books Literary Awards and Jan Rabie Rapport Prize Shortlists. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  26. Web site: 2011-06-13. The 2011 Jan Rabie Rapport Prize and Media24 Books Literary Awards Winners. 2011-11-14. Sunday Times Books.
  27. Web site: 2011-04-18. The 2011 Media24 Books Literary Awards and Jan Rabie Rapport Prize Shortlists. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  28. Web site: 2010-07-30. The Winners of the 2010 Via Afrika Awards. 2011-11-14. Sunday Times Books.
  29. News: 2010-03-29. 2010 Jan Rabie Rapport and Via Afrika Literary Awards Shortlists. Sunday Times Books. 2021-11-14.
  30. News: 2009-06-13. 2009 Via Afrika Awards Winners. Sunday Times Books. 2021-11-14.
  31. News: 2009-04-07. 2009 Jan Rabie Rapport and Via Afrika Prizes Shortlists. Sunday Times Books. 2021-11-14.
  32. Web site: 2008-06-25. A stunted af(fair). 2021-11-13. The Mail & Guardian. en-ZA.
  33. Web site: 2008-04-29. 2008 Via Afrika and Jan Rabie Prize Shortlists. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  34. Web site: 2007-06-21. M-Net Prize: Spoilt for choice. 2021-11-13. The Mail & Guardian. en-ZA.
  35. Web site: 2007-06-01. Via Afrika Awards Shortlists Announced. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  36. Web site: 2006-06-30. Double makes trouble. 2021-11-13. The Mail & Guardian. en-ZA.
  37. Web site: Terblanche. Erika. 2021-05-12. Sheila Cussons (1922–2004). 2021-11-14. LitNet.
  38. Web site: Theunis Theodorus Cloete. 2021-11-14. South African Literary Awards. en-US.
  39. Book: Heyns, Johan Dirk. 'n Literatuursosiologiese ondorsoek na 'n groep Afrikaanse tagtigerprosaskrywers. University of South Africa. 1995.
  40. Klopper. Elsa. 1999. The use of conceptual metaphor in Karel Schoeman's Another Country. Alternation. 6. 2. 321–331. 2021-11-14.
  41. Web site: PG du Plessis. 2021-11-14. Helgaard Steyn-Pryse. en-US.
  42. Web site: 2011-03-14. 8 October: Afrikaans author Mikro is born. 2021-11-14. South African History Online.
  43. Web site: 2020-06-18. 2020 Media24 Books Literary Prizes: Herman Charles Bosman Prize for English fiction. 2021-11-22. LitNet.
  44. Web site: 2011-06-13. The 2011 Jan Rabie Rapport Prize and Media24 Books Literary Awards Winners. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  45. Web site: 2010-07-30. The Winners of the 2010 Via Afrika Awards. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  46. Web site: 2009-06-13. 2009 Via Afrika Awards Winners. 2021-11-22. Sunday Times Books. en.
  47. Web site: 2005. Literary awards: an update. 2011-11-14. Western Cape Government.
  48. Web site: 2004. Literary awards: an update. 2011-11-23. Western Cape Government.
  49. Web site: 2020-06-18. 2020 Media24 Books Literary Prize: Recht Malan Prize for Nonfiction. 2020-06-19. LitNet.
  50. Web site: 2002. Literary awards: an update. 2021-11-23. Western Cape Government.
  51. Web site: 2013-10-29. Elisabeth Eybers Poetry Prize to be Awarded for the First Time in 2014. 2021-11-23. Sunday Times Books. en.
  52. Web site: 2021-09-13. Nog 'n prys vir Willem Anker. 2021-11-22. Maroela Media. afrikaans.