The Sunday Times Literary Awards have announced their 2026 shortlists, starting with the fiction category. The judging panel, led by Craig Higginson, has selected five novels that exemplify rare imagination and style. Higginson praises South African literary fiction for its thriving innovation and experimentation in both form and content. The shortlisted novels demonstrate a compelling narrative that has become a landmark of contemporary fiction.
The five shortlisted novels for the fiction category are The Nicotine Gospel by Sven Axelrad, Song of the Slave Girl by Ashraf Kagee, The Fragile Mental Health of Strong Women by Michelle Kekana, Buried in the Chest by Lindani Mbunyuza-Memani, and The Immortalites by Claire Robertson. These works represent a diverse range of storytelling and literary styles. The authors have been published by reputable houses such as Umuzi and Jacana Media.
In the nonfiction category, the judging panel was chaired by Shylock Matsunyane. He notes that a good story can travel a distance, no matter how sad. The shortlisted titles were chosen for their porous truthfulness and delicacy, making the decision challenging and intriguing. Matsunyane highlights the immersive quality of the nonfiction works, which compel readers to feel like they are telling the story alongside the authors.
The non-fiction titles that made the shortlist are The Smallest Ones: Two Sisters’ Escape from DRC Rebels and Their Pursuit of Freedom by Popina Khumanda, Blood’s Inner Rhyme: An Autobiographical Novel by Antjie Krog, How to Build a House in the Mountains by Roger Lucey, The Shadow State: Why Babita Deokaran Had to Die by Jeff Wicks, and The Chaos Precinct: Johannesburg as a Port City by Tanya Zack. These works showcase a range of themes and styles.
The Sunday Times Literary Awards continue to recognize and celebrate outstanding South African literature. The shortlisted authors have demonstrated exceptional skill and craftsmanship in their works. The awards aim to promote and support local literary talent, providing a platform for authors to reach a wider audience.
The judging panels for both categories have praised the quality and diversity of the submissions. The shortlisted works showcase the richness and complexity of South African literature. The awards will ultimately select a winner in each category, who will be announced at a later date.
The 2026 Sunday Times Literary Awards shortlists have generated excitement and anticipation among literary enthusiasts. The awards will continue to foster a love of reading and literature in South Africa. Readers can look forward to exploring the shortlisted works and discovering new authors and stories.
Key points
- The Sunday Times Literary Awards have announced their 2026 shortlists for fiction and nonfiction categories.
- The shortlists feature a diverse range of works by South African authors, showcasing innovation and experimentation in literary style and form.
- The awards aim to promote and support local literary talent, providing a platform for authors to reach a wider audience.
