National Poetry Prize
Competition Details
NOTE: Submissions are closed until June 2024
The National Poetry Prize is a South African competition for a poem of up to 60 lines. Poets must reside in South Africa or be South African citizens. There is no theme; we are asking for each poet’s best original, unpublished work to be submitted.
The competition is for poems in English. Poems can, however, be submitted in any of the official South African languages, provided they are accompanied by an English translation (judging will take place based on the English translation; any prize money awarded for a poem in translation will be shared equally between the poet and the translator). Multiple entries are permitted; there is an entry fee (click here for details).
All poems will be judged anonymously. A shortlist comprising of a maximum of ten poems will be selected. The winning poems will be published in New Contrast and the Jack Journal, guaranteeing wide exposure for the winners.
Bruce Jack Wines
The National Poetry Prize is sponsored by Bruce Jack. Bruce Jack Wines is a global wine company, specialising in making little bottles of joy. “We aim to leave our land in a better state than we found it. We listen to our grapes. We value truth. We like ice cream as well. And chocolate. And surfing.”