Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
THE Intwasa Short Story Competition, also known as the Dr Yvonne Vera Literary Award 2024, has revealed its shortlist of 20 outstanding stories, following an impressive 136 entries from both local and diaspora writers.
Participants hailed from across Zimbabwe and included voices from South Africa, Botswana, and Tanzania, reflecting the rich tapestry of Zimbabwean literature.
In an enthusiastic social media announcement, the organisers stated, “The Wait is Finally Over! We are thrilled to announce the 20 stories shortlisted for the Intwasa Short Story Competition. These talented storytellers impressed the judges with their creativity, passion, and literary brilliance. Join us in celebrating this achievement.”
The shortlisted stories are: Nkosilathi J. Dube: “Fording Limpopo”, Effort N. Makwarimba: “Burden to Love”, Tanaka Chidora: “The Death of Vanda”, Sikhululekile Mashingaidze: “She Left…”, Beverley Ann Abrahams: “Broken Bits of Something”, Lindani Chirambadare: “Jekeso”, Stone Face: “The Duality of the Stars: The Tale of Ogle TR122b”, Vincent Musiyamhanje: “My Ghetto Diary”, Lucille Sambo: “Rustopia”, Farai Chaka: “A Steady Disruption”, Webster Mbangani: “The Long Game”, Trudy kaMalisa: “An Ordinary Tuesday”, Panashe Ryuan Gora: “The Endless Void”, Tino Mangwendeza: “Mbeu”, Tawanda Vombo: “Searching for a Wife in Harare is Vanity”, Takunda Sibanda: “The Lost Heir’s Tale”, Shaun Chiwonda: “That Strange House”, Rugare Nyamhunga: “The Present”, Mazvita Dube: “Danse Macabre”, and Lazarus Panashe Nyagwambo: “Of Fat, Bearded Women.”
The Yvonne Vera Literary Award honours the legacy of Dr Yvonne Vera, a distinguished writer from Bulawayo, and aims to celebrate and promote original prose writing talent in the English language.
The outright winner will receive US$300, while the second-place entry will earn US$200, providing a significant incentive for writers to hone their craft.
The Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo, now rescheduled to take place from November 28 to 30, will serve as a platform to celebrate these shortlisted stories and further promote the importance of literature in Zimbabwean society. The competition and festival play a crucial role in nurturing both a reading and writing culture in Zimbabwe.
By encouraging participation from diverse voices, Intwasa not only uplifts individual storytellers but also fosters a community of readers who appreciate the depth and variety of local narratives.
This initiative strengthens the cultural fabric of Zimbabwe, reminding us of the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and reflect our collective experiences.
As the festival approaches, literary enthusiasts are encouraged to engage with the shortlisted stories, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of writing and the joy of reading.
The Intwasa Short Story Competition stands as a testament to the rich literary heritage of Zimbabwe and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter