David Mann
David Mann is an award-winning writer, editor and art critic from Johannesburg. His short fiction, which draws from the undercurrents of the South African art world, has appeared in various local and international journals. He has also edited numerous local art publications, including Creative feel and Cue, the publication of the National Arts Festival. He works as the writer for the arts incubator The Centre for the Less Good Idea, and edits the ARAK Journal, based in Doha, Qatar. His short story collection, Once removed, was published in 2024 and was awarded the Thomas Pringle Short Story Prize.
A better future is worth fighting for: Zeenit Saban-Jacobs speaks with David Mann about her new poetry collection Palestinofication
2026-08-21"Palestinofication is for everyone, even those who wholeheartedly disagree with my position. I hope those in support find comfort, and I hope those who are neutral become enlightened."
Short.Sharp.Stories anthology, Power: interview with Ross Ian Fleming, author of "The k word"
2025-09-15"We live attention-deficient lives. Reading a short-story-sized narrative is often the most enjoyable 15 minutes of my daily routine. The twist in a tale can make your day."
Short.Sharp.Stories anthology, Power: interview with Uthimna Gqangeni, author of "Jiti morale"
2025-09-09"Art is the place I go to process emotion. Literature, reading and also writing are like flashing a light in the dark."
Short.Sharp.Stories anthology, Power: interview with Tiisetso Lekopa, author of "Canvas"
2025-09-03"Stories allow us to hold up a mirror to society. They make complex issues personal and relatable by showing how real people are affected. Through fiction we can ask uncomfortable questions, challenge the status quo and start conversations that matter."