Morabo Morojele and Jarred Thompson have been announced as the winners of the 2024 University of Johannesburg Prizes for South African Writing in English.
Morojele has won the Main Prize for his novel Three Egg Dilemma, while Thompson is the Debut Prize winner for his novel The Institute for Creative Dying.
Unlike most literary awards, the UJ Prizes are not linked to a specific genre, as, according to the organisers, the idea is to ‘open the prize to as many forms of creative writing as possible’.
‘This may make the evaluation more challenging,’ the prize organisers say, ‘in the sense that, for example, a volume of poetry, a novel and a biographical work must be measured against one another, but the idea is to open the prize to as many forms of creative writing as possible.’
Morojele will receive R70,000 as the winner of the Main Prize, while Thompson receives R45,000 for the Debut Prize.
Judge Thabo Tšehloane said:
‘Morabo Morojele’s Three Egg Dilemma is a witty, thought-provoking novel that blends humour with social critique. The novel masterfully navigates the complex dilemmas of modern life, grappling with tensions between tradition and identity. Morojele skilfully captures the clash between personal aspirations and societal expectations, using wit and keen observation to explore the complexities of living in a rapidly changing world.
‘Three Egg Dilemma highlights the universal struggle of forging an identity in a world that is constantly shifting. Morojele’s humour and insight make the novel both accessible and profound, offering a meaningful exploration of the challenges facing contemporary African society. With its vibrant characters and satirical tone, Three Egg Dilemma offers readers a fresh and engaging perspective on contemporary African life.’
Ronit Frenkel, chair of the judging panel, described Jarred Thompson’s The Institute for Creative Dying as ‘an extraordinarily original and beautifully crafted novel that heralds the emergence of a new literary star in South Africa.’
Frenkel said:
‘The novel centres on five people as they navigate the idea of how to “die delightfully” while exploring the limits of how they have lived. Thompson investigates big metaphysical questions, along with what he calls the “crisis of the ordinary”, through these vastly different characters.
‘The book is interspersed with moments of joy, beauty and insight while the characters seek meaning in a difficult world. Issues around mortality and the interconnectedness of everything frame the narrative in profound ways that force the reader to ponder the very same questions when the ending is already known—that, inevitably, we will all die.’
This year’s UJ Prize judging panel was:
- Prof. Ronit Frenkel (chair), University of Johannesburg
- Prof. Sikhumbuzo Mngadi, University of Johannesburg
- Prof. Marzia Milazzo, University of Johannesburg
- Dr Rebecca Fasselt, University of Pretoria
- Dr Thabo Tšhehloane, University of Johannesburg
- Prof. Grace Musila, University of the Witwatersrand
- Prof. Nedine Moonsamy, University of Johannesburg
Last year’s UJ Prize winners were CA Davids and Pulane Mlilo Mpondo.