adminentries were supposed to be submitted by July 15.
The main reason for the extension is there was poor submission of entries, especially in the Ndebele category.
“The entries have been very disappointing, to say the least. It’s like there are no writers out there writing in indigenous languages.
“The idea behind the competition is to promote new writing, new writers and the Ndebele award was particularly introduced to promote creative writing in Isindebele.
“However, the platform seems to be going unnoticed,” lamented Raisedon Baya, the director of the festival.
He said they received only eight entries in the Ndebele category, while the English section has a sizable number with entries reaching just above 80.
The short story contest is annual part of the literary arts segment of the festival.
The Intwasa Short Story Awards are named after two of Bulawayo’s renowned creative writers in both languages.
The English award is named after Dr Yvonne Vera, who is arguably the best writer, writing in English to have emerged from Bulawayo.
Dr Vera won many awards, locally and internationally, for her writing.
The Ndebele award is named after Ndabezinhle Sigogo, who is the most
published writer writing in IsiNdebele
with over two dozen published books to his name.
Stories for the senior category must not exceed 3 000 words while those for the junior category must not exceed 1 500 words.
The competition is open-themed.
Intwasa will this year be held over seven days kicking off on September 19 running under the theme ‘Art has no Boundaries”.
Online Reporter