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Aspiring to Lead, Leading to Inspire
 
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Pixley Seme Literary Award

In 2020, The African Dream Foundation launched the Pixley Seme Literary Award. This award recognises and brings to light the rich storytelling capabilities of outstanding young African emerging writers aged 30 years and under across the African continent. The award will promote the development of contemporary African storytelling, by revealing the histories, value systems, cultural aesthetics, philosophies and way of life.

People with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.  

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About Pixley Seme

The award is named after Pixley ka Isaka Seme, who was born in 1881 in Natal, South Africa. He was an inspirational political activist, lawyer and journalist. Seme did his BA degree at Columbia then studied Law at Oxford University. His memorable and groundbreaking speech at Columbia University in 1906 on “The Regeneration of Africa” earned him the University’s highest oratorical honour, the George William Curtis medal and a review in the New York Times. Upon returning to South Africa at the age 30 years old he founded the ANC, the first and oldest native political party in Africa. It was this political party that Nelson Mandela would later lead and end apartheid in South Africa. He also led a movement to buy land for black settlers through the establishment of the South African Native Farmer’s Association.

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Eligibility 

  • The award is only open to emerging unpublished writers under 30 years old.

  • Entrants must be living in any country within the African continent.

  • All works must be in the English language.  

  • Works may be written by one or more authors.

  • Works must be narrative non-fiction short stories (5000-9000 words) or children’s books (1000-5000 words).

  • All works must reflect African history and/or African way of life in any geographical setting.

  • There is no not need to have a full manuscript at the time of submission however, writers must intend to complete one. 

 Note: Authors and works that do not meet the above criteria will not be considered. 

The Award

  • Cash prize - USD$1000

  • Six-month paid fellowship  

  • Opportunity to develop a manuscript and publish work

Key Dates 

  • Submissions Open: 26th July 2020

  • Applications Close: 6th September 2020

  • Shortlist Announcement: 30th November 2020 

  • Winner Announcement: 9th January 2021

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Submit Your Application

  1. Your Why

    Tell us why the world needs to hear your story, why are entering and how winning the Prize will help you further your writing career.

  2. Submit

    Email your application by attaching your story (including a synopsis), your contact details and why you are entering by the due date to: