INSIDE THE JUDGES’ ROOM

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Are you polishing your submission for the 6th Gerald Kraak Anthology and Prize? This webinar is for you.

For the first time in the history of the Prize, we’re hosting a webinar aimed at bridging the gap between entrants and the judges, giving writers the opportunity to gain insight into the judges’ decisions and refine their submissions before the submission deadline on the 18th of August. We’re pleased to announce that this year’s judging panel includes Nigerian author and Professor of English Unoma Azuah (Head Judge), whose research focuses on LGBTQ+ rights in Africa. Joining her on the panel are South African journalist, editor and literary critic Shaun de Waal and Ugandan human rights advocate, poet and scholar Stella Nyanzi. 

Note: Attendance is optional, but highly recommended. The insights shared in this session could give your submission a competitive edge.

What to expect: An overview of the Gerald Kraak Anthology and Prize. An introduction to this year’s judging panel. Insights from all three judges on what makes a submission stand out, the qualities they look for in fiction and non-fiction, what works best within the 15,000-word limit, common pitfalls to avoid and how to present a strong submission. Reflections and advice from a previous winner. A live Q&A with the judges.

If you have any questions, please include them with your RSVP. Our judges will answer them during the Q&A session.

Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Time: 19:00–20:30 SAST

Platform: Zoom

RSVP to diolan@jacana.co.za by Friday, 7 August 2026.

Published by PUBLISH'D AFRIKA

I began my writing career in Newcastle, Kwazulu-Natal in 1999 as a freelance reporter for the Newcastle Advertiser. In 2001 I moved to Middelburg, Mpumalanga and joined the Middelburg News Edition. In 2003 I moved on to the Middelburg Observer, which gave me an opportunity to also contribute to other Caxton-owned titles, the Citizen, Daller and Mpumalanga Mirror. In 2006 I joined Media 24 daily tabloid, the Daily Sun and the following year as I was hired on permanent basis as their Mpumalanga correspondent. In the same year I was promoted to chief bureau, in charge of a team of seven reporters. I held the position for 10 years until my resignation in June 2017, to pursue writing full-time.

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