How Writing Competitions Celebrate Talented South African Poets

Writing competitions across South Africa uplift fresh and seasoned voices, reveal stories new and old, and strengthen our heritage as a nation. Locally, we have a rich poetry scene which includes fireside folktales and exciting open mic nights. Ours has always been a country of storytellers. We at the AVBOB Poetry Project feel privileged to keep that flame alive through our annual contest, where entries arrive in all 11 official written languages.

Writing Competitions Spotlight South African Stories

African poetry is often overlooked, but so many talented writers have emerged from the continent, and South Africa is no different. This is why writing competitions are so important. Every contest is a wide-open stage where first-time scribblers share the spotlight with prize-winning veterans, and with the AVBOB Poetry Project, everyone is welcome. It’s a level playing field, which means that whether you’re a published poet or someone brand-new to the art, you have a fair chance to be a winner. Our entries arrive in isiZulu, English, Xitsonga, Afrikaans and all 11 other official written languages. Our contest is about poetry, but it’s also a festival of language and culture. Readers browsing the work of the finalists also discover how differently and beautifully South Africans name love, grief, humour, and hope.

When a community sees the power of its own words printed and praised, the younger generation learns that storytelling is not a distant art; it lives on their doorstep!

Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

Behind every successful entry lies an unseen workshop of scribbles, drafts, deletions, and sometimes critical feedback. Many writing competitions, including ours, host virtual workshops where entrants learn to refine their rhythm, tighten structure, and get used to self-editing. Equally important is the confidence that blooms when a stranger connects with your story. It is our goal that participants view their lived experience as something valuable and refine how they express it through verses.

Inside the AVBOB Poetry Project

Of all the writing competitions on the calendar, ours carries a few exciting elements that keep poets returning year after year:

• Entering is completely free: Entering your piece is free, online, and accepted in every official language, ensuring that cost or geography are never barriers.
• Gala and anthology: Winners share the stage at a streamed celebration, then see their work preserved in our annual print collection and online library.
• Community feel: We aim to create a community of celebrated talent, and entering means joining a local family of recognised South African poets.

5 Tips for Entering Your First Contest

Would you like to participate in our upcoming contest or any other writing competitions near you? These are some practical tips to get you started:

1. Read winning entries from previous years to understand what judges prefer.
2. After drafting, step away for a while, then revise with fresh eyes to ensure every word earns its place.
3. Examine the competition rules in detail; incorrect word counts or missed deadlines are the easiest ways to disqualify excellent work.
4. Submit your piece at least one or two days before the deadline so network glitches or other mishaps cannot steal your opportunity.
5. If you ever receive feedback, treat it like sunlight for seedlings – absorb it and grow stronger for the next submission.

Answering Common Questions

• Do I need writing experience to enter?
  Not at all. Blind judging allows newcomers to stand alongside veterans as long as the guidelines are followed.
• Can I submit work in my home language?
  Absolutely, and we encourage it! The AVBOB Poetry Project welcomes entries in all 11 official written languages, each reviewed by judges fluent in that tongue.
• Who owns my poem’s rights after submission?
  We request permission to publish winning or shortlisted work, but your piece remains yours.
• What if my entry is not selected?
  You can always submit again next year, and in the meantime, enjoy reading all the entries that made it. Remember, many finalists first appeared on the second or third attempt.

We invite you to open a blank page today and let your story breathe – and feel free to ask us any questions. Keep an eye out for this year’s AVBOB Poetry Project, and enter as many free writing competitions in South Africa as you’d like to refine your writing skills.