Tomorrow evening the South African Literary Awards (SALA) Ceremony will take place in Vereeniging with winners being awarded for their achievements in the country’s premier awards.
The Adjudication Panel of the South African Literary Awards has finalised the process of evaluating and assessing entries for the 2011 edition.
Deputy Minister, Dr. Joe Phaahla will deliver the Keynote Address at the Awards Ceremony. “The Sixth South African Literary Awards continues to celebrate our rich and diverse literary heritage in all our official languages since 2005” said Deputy Minister, Dr. Phaahla.
There are nine SALA categories nurturing various disciplines in writing. These prestigious Awards have recognised South Africa’s great literary talent and encourage emerging new authors in all our official languages.
The Nine SALA categories are:
- The Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award for Writing in African Languages in South Africa
- The Sello K. Duiker memorial Literary Award
- Literary Journalism Award
- Literary Translators Award
- Posthumous Literary Award
- Lifetime Achievement Literary Award
- Poetry Award
- First-time Published Author Award and
- Chairperson’s Award
“Our primary aim is to take South Africa’s literary heritage to greater heights. Through SALA, we contribute to the nourishment of the minds of the South African society. The celebration of rich and diverse literary culture is crucial to the fundamental transformation project of the country’s socio-economic, political and cultural landscape”, Says Raks Seakhoa, the SALA Project Director
The Department of Arts and Culture promotes a culture of reading and writing and to this end the development of a sustainable book industry that supports equitable growth of all South African languages. The Department of Arts and Culture has supported these awards since its inception.
The highlight of the Awards Ceremony is the announcement of the Chairperson’s Award.
The Media is invited to the SALA Function:
Date: 8 December 2011
Time: 18h00 for 19h00
Venue: Vereeniging Banquet Hall, Sedibeng District Council Precinct, Cnr. Merriaman and Joubert Streets.
For any further enquiries please contact:
Siphiwo Mahala
Cell: 082 888 9946
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
