The African National Congress wishes to congratulate Adam Small on receiving the prestigious Hertzog Prize from the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns. Dr Small received the award for his oeuvre and in particular for his work "Kanna hy kô hystoe" which was published in 1965.
Dr Small's drama has been internationally acclaimed, but apartheid ensured that it went unrecognised by the Afrikaans establishment. This includes the very same academy that has now corrected this injustice by making the award even though it meant that it had to do so outside of its own rules. Their rules provide for such awards to be made for works produced in the last three years.
This progressive step by the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns is welcomed and signals an approach which is constructive and points to reconciliation, vital ingredients in addressing the national question of nation-building and reconciliation.
Press release received from SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns
Read Michael le Cordeur's letter about Adam Small's prize and Nicol Stassen.
Read Nicol Stassen's response to Michael le Cordeur.