Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
The Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (PRACA) has opened submissions for its 2026 edition, calling on artistes, creatives, community leaders and organisations to put forward their work for recognition.
The seventh edition of the awards is seeking entries from individuals and organisations that have made an impact in the Pumula community and beyond through arts, entertainment, media, literature, entrepreneurship, sport and community development.
Submissions opened on September 15 and will close on October 22.
In a statement, PRACA said only works produced between July 31, 2025 and August 31, 2026 will be considered for this year’s awards.
“Prospective nominees are required to provide their name or that of their group, association, gallery, production house or organisation, together with details of the work or project being submitted.
“They must also indicate the category they are entering, date of creation or production, cellphone number, email address and location.
“Physical submissions should be made in digital format on a CD or USB, accompanied by a completed submission form. Organisers have advised entrants to submit two copies of CDs, while the submission venue will be announced,” reads part of the statement.
The awards cover a wide range of creative disciplines, with music categories including Best Amapiano/House/Gqom Artist, Best Hip Hop Artist, Best Dancehall Artist, Best Afro-Pop Artist, Outstanding DJ, Best Collaboration, Best Duo/Group and Album of the Year.
The dance section features Outstanding Male Dancer, Outstanding Female Dancer and Outstanding Duo/Dance Group.
In literature, PRACA will recognise Outstanding Male Poet, Outstanding Female Poet, Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction and Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction.
The media and television categories include Best Upcoming Actor/Actress, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Short/Feature Film, Best Cinematographer, Best Production/Media House, Best Online/Print Media, Outstanding Journalist/News Reporter, Best Podcast Production/Talk Show, Best Podcaster/Presenter, Best Social Media Content Creator and Best Educational/Informative Content Creator.
PRACA will also recognise creatives from outside Pumula through categories such as Outstanding Musician, Outstanding Poet, Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement, Outstanding Model, Outstanding Dancer Across All Genres and Outstanding Dance Group Across All Genres.
“Apart from arts, we seek to recognise people and organisations making a difference in their communities. We will accommodate them through categories include Outstanding Youth-Led/Community Organisation, Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Upcoming Entrepreneur, Outstanding Youth Leader, Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement and Outstanding Youth in Climate Advocacy.
“Other community categories are Outstanding Green Initiative/Job, Outstanding Sportsman/Sportswoman, Outstanding Creative Hand Worker and Outstanding Fashion Designer/Label,” reads the statement.
Special awards will also be presented by participating organisations.
PRACA said all submissions must comply with the stipulated eligibility period and submission requirements, warning that incomplete entries may not be considered.
The awards were created in 2019, and they are aimed at celebrating excellence while giving recognition to people using their talents, businesses and community initiatives to contribute to society.
