- The platform is gearing up to honour the brilliance of local authors
GOSEGO MOTSUMI
Now in their second year, the Botswana Literature Awards are gearing up to honour the brilliance of local authors in an event slated for Protea Hotel in Gaborone on 14 December 2024.
Founded by poet, author and publisher Dr Lame Pusetso, this year’s edition has expanded to include 26 categories, which a significant leap from last year’s 14.
With over 96 submissions, the awards promise to be a night of recognition, inspiration and entertainment, featuring performances by local acts like Phenyo The Poet, FolkLore, LosNoir, and Kabo Leburu. Notably, categories like Best Upcoming Author and Best Young Author offer cash prizes of P2,500 each, thanks to support from COSBOTS.
Digital innovation
This year’s awards not only celebrate authors but also highlight the industry’s evolving embrace of digital innovation. Many local writers are leveraging platforms such as Amazon, Kobo and TikTok to reach global audiences and monetise their craft.
Audiobooks and subscription-based content have become popular, signalling a shift towards diverse storytelling methods. However, challenges remain, including the need for localised payment systems to facilitate revenue from international platforms.
Speaking in interview, Dr Pusetso shared plans to collaborate with local app developers to create tailored solutions, bridging this gap and ensuring writers reap financial benefits from their creativity.
SADC Award
In a bid to amplify underrepresented voices, this year introduces groundbreaking categories such as People Living with Disability, Best Multi-Lingual Writer, and Best Indigenous Heritage Book. These categories aim to inspire emerging authors and highlight the diverse stories that define Botswana’s literary landscape.
A key feature of the 2024 awards is introduction of the SADC Award, for which submissions from authors across the region are being invited. The initiative aims to elevate Botswana’s literary works to global standards while fostering cross-border collaborations.
Following her participation in the Harare Literature Festival, Dr Pusetso revealed plans for international author exchange programmes and local residency initiatives. These programmes will focus on equipping writers with essential skills in creative writing, branding, digital marketing and funding opportunities on global platforms.
Unprecedented growth
The success of this year’s awards is already paving the way for greater opportunities in 2025. With international partnerships and innovative residency programmes on the horizon, Botswana’s literary scene is poised for unprecedented growth. Dr Pusetso remains committed to nurturing a network of authors who can share their insights and stories with the world.