Litnet

How do we celebrate Heritage Day (24 September) in an unsettled time? In the face of a pandemic, ideas of identity seem as superfluous and dangerous as flames on Braai Day. Simon van Schalkwyk’s debut collection, Transcontinental delay, is the most fitting recommendation in Heritage Month.

"We did not evolve to be ourselves, 
Our consciousness is controlled by chemicals. 
Neither the mind, the body, the heart 
nor free will belong to us."

The shortlist for the 2021 Kendeka Prize for African Literature has been announced today.

Damon Galgut's latest novel, The Promise, has been shortlisted for one of the world's most prestigious literary prizes, the Booker Prize. The announcement was made during an online event on Tuesday evening.

The University of Johannesburg is pleased to announce the winners of the following three newly instated prizes: UJ Prize for Creative Writing in isiZulu, UJ Prize for Creative Writing in Sesotho sa Leboa and the UJ Prize for Literary Translation.

"After each global convulsion, the world is flooded with ideas of how to make and manage what amounts to a new normal. The present confluence of COVID, climate change and the collapse of the West’s 20 years in Afghanistan is such a moment."

"Whether Jennings’ name appears on the shortlist that will be announced in London tomorrow afternoon or not, one can only hope that her longlisting will have changed the trajectory of her career: that she will never again have to make out a case to be published. And never again be published in print runs of only 500."

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is pleased to announce the shortlists for the following three newly instated prizes: UJ Prize for Creative Writing in isiZulu, UJ Prize for Creative Writing in Sesotho sa Leboa, and the UJ Prize for Literary Translation.

"Language may be a factor in how well the lecturer is understood. Language may be a factor in who understands the assessment question. Language may be a factor in who can communicate their answers and be rewarded adequately for the knowledge they possess."

"Since the first democratic elections in 1994, no party has held on to the third position in consecutive elections. Smaller political parties have always alternated in this position. Because it has claimed this spot, the only way up for the EFF must be to depose the DA and become the official opposition."

Tracy Going will be in conversation with Terry Angelos on Monday 20 September 2021 at 18:00.

"If you wish to destroy the life you know, expose some corrupt activities."

"A cherry blossom and rainbow spring awaits 
the thawing of the blanket snow 
on highlands and Malutis, 
to rejuvenate and grow" 

"Our minds are controlled by chemistry 
and we are brainwashed by volatility. 
We are bombarded by contradicting messages, 
lost in our own wretched wilderness."

The longlist for the 2021 Kendeka Prize for African Literature has been announced on Wednesday, the 1^st  of September 2021.

"Compelling and written with tenderness and fury, this beautiful novel will resonate in readers’ minds with its clarity of vision, empathy and depth of insight. It is likely to become a classic for its undeniable literary stature."

Phoenix, Durban, was a flashpoint in the recent violence and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Freek Robinson interviews members of a peace committee, Sham Maharaj and Nonku Zungu.

"This is a fascinating book. But ultimately it is the victim of its own ego. It attempts too much and provides only a superficial gloss of the events that continue to intrigue and unsettle us as a nation."

In this episode of his monthly podcast David Attwell talks to Margie Orford about crime writing and her Clare Hart series of crime novels, which ended with the publication of Water Music in 2013.

A highly readable, dramatic story of a colourful South African journey in politics lasting over 50 years, from anti-apartheid protester to Right Honourable Lord, from Pretoria childhood to senior British Cabinet Minister.