The foundation said almost 700 poems were submitted in 10 official South African languages.

"The long list of poems written in a range of South Africa’s official languages has been selected by a panel of six judges. This year, Athol Williams joined Rustum Kozain as co-judge to review the English entries," the foundation said.

"Goodenough Mashego, Dr Innocentia Mhlambi, Aubrey Neo Sehlahla and Dr Sponono Mahlangu reviewed the indigenous-language entries and Pieter Odendaal reviewed the Afrikaans entries."

The Jacana Literary Foundation said that head judge, Professor Mongane Wally Serote, would select from the longlisted poems a shortlist of three poems, determining a winner, as well as two runners-up. 

"The shortlist will be announced at an award ceremony held in Johannesburg."

Some of the poets who made it onto the long list include Watu Athini, Jayne Bauling, Marike Beyers, Nicola Brighton, Christine Coates, Sannah Cujane, Luthando Dlamini and Chris Ellis.

African News Agency (ANA)