The Dramatic, Artistic & Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO), in collaboration with Wits University Press, The Market Theatre, and the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, proudly announces the launch of the inaugural DALRO Can Themba Merit Award. This prestigious competition aims to honour the literary legacy of Can Themba while nurturing the next generation of South African short story writers.
The DALRO Can Themba Merit Award was officially launched at the 28th edition of the Time of the Writer Festival, setting the stage for a dynamic two-year initiative that not only champions short story writing but also extends into the realm of theatre. The award is designed to provide emerging writers with the resources, mentorship, and platforms necessary to refine their craft, gain exposure, and see their work adapted for the stage.
A legacy of storytelling excellence
Can Themba’s influence as a literary pioneer remains undeniable. After graduating from Fort Hare University, he gained widespread recognition when his short story Mob Passion won a competition hosted by Drum magazine. Reflecting on his achievement, Themba once said, “I feel inspired to go on writing and writing, until one day, perhaps, I’ll be a really famous author.” His work remains a pillar of South African literature, known for its incisive social commentary and fearless storytelling.
With this competition, DALRO and its partners aim to continue that legacy, providing a strategic career accelerator for emerging South African writers.
DALRO Can Themba Merit Award
The award seeks short stories that are authentic, engaging, and reflective of the South African experience. Over a two-year cycle, the programme will guide participants through a comprehensive development process:
2025: Focus on the literary component, mentorship, story refinement, and publication.
2026: Adaptation of the winning short story into a theatrical production to be staged at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
The winning author will receive invaluable professional opportunities, including mentorship, local and international festival participation, publication in an anthology produced by Wits University Press and a R10 000 cash prize from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts.
A platform for publishing excellence
Wits University Press, with its century-long commitment to publishing groundbreaking African narratives, will be responsible for the anthology featuring the Top 10 short stories from the competition.
“Wits University Press champions knowledge from and about Africa to local and global readers. We are excited to support this initiative that not only honours Can Themba’s literary legacy but also contributes to the ongoing discourse of African storytelling. Through this anthology, we hope to amplify the voices of emerging writers and ensure their work reaches diverse audiences,” stated Veronica Klipp, Wits University Press’ Publisher.
“By celebrating the legacy of South African journalist and author, our partnership with DALRO will create strong and innovative pathways to assist short story writers to reach a broad array of South African and international audiences”, said Ismail Mahomed, Director of the Centre for Creative Arts.
Celebrating multidisciplinary storytelling
Through the partnership with The Market Theatre, the winning short story will transition from page to stage. The winning author will collaborate with a dramaturge and playwright to adapt their work into a theatrical production, premiering in September 2026 at The Market Theatre.
“The Market Theatre Foundation is proud to be part of this landmark initiative that celebrates the legacy of one of South Africa’s most significant literary voices, Can Themba. This initiative is more than just a competition; it is a bridge between the literary and theatrical worlds, creating opportunities for South African writers to develop their craft and expand their narratives beyond the written word,” said Greg Homann, Artistic Director of The Market Theatre Foundation.
How to enter
The DALRO Can Themba Merit Award is open to South African nationals and there is no entry fee. Among other entry requirements, submissions must be original, unpublished short stories of no more than 8 000 words. Writers are encouraged to craft narratives that reflect the vibrancy, complexity, and resilience of South African society.
Entries close at 23h59 on 10 April 2025. Full submission details and guidelines are available on the DALRO and Time of the Writer Festival websites.
About DALRO
DALRO is a pioneering Collective Management Organisation (CMO), established in 1967 dedicated to safeguarding intellectual property.
It focuses on three areas of copyright:
Literary works refers to virtually every form of writing, in whatever mode or form expressed and includes dramatic works
Artistic works include all paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings and photographs
Published editions refer to the typographical arrangement of a literary work or artistic work. Books, generally, contain two forms of copyright. One is the copyright in the expression of ideas which usually belongs to the creator of the literary work and the other is the copyright in the typographical arrangement, which usually belongs to the publisher.
DALRO licenses literary works, artistic works and published editions, facilitates and grants permission for copyright users to reproduce works, collects fees and remunerates copyright holders. As a leading authority in managing and licensing works, DALRO continues to champion creators' rights while nurturing a thriving creative economy in South Africa.
Photo by Wynand Uys taken from hot air ballon in Hoedspruit.