South Africa’s literary world is alive with celebration as the Dramatic, Artistic & Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO), in collaboration with Wits University Press, The Market Theatre, and the Centre for Creative Arts, launches the inaugural Can Themba Merit Award Anthology: When Water Wants To.
The event, held at Exclusive Books, Rosebank, is more than just a book launch. It commemorates World Literary Day, the 58th anniversary of Can Themba’s passing, and what has now been declared Can Themba Day – a tribute to one of South Africa’s most fearless literary voices.
Who Was Can Themba?
Can Themba (1924–1967) remains a towering figure in South African literature. Nicknamed “The Shebeen Queen’s Poet”, he was a Drum Magazine writer whose short stories and essays captured the vibrancy and pain of township life under apartheid. His works like The Suit continue to be adapted into plays, films, and academic studies worldwide.
Academic Aysha Ahmed once wrote:
“Writers are often considered the minority in many societies… only a handful can spin beginnings into substantial endings. These few can be considered the compendium of our society.”
This anthology, and the award behind it, is designed to keep Themba’s legacy alive by ensuring new voices carry forward his fearless approach to truth-telling.
The Anthology: When Water Wants To
The title itself is drawn from one of Themba’s central motifs – water as both a metaphor for life and an unstoppable force. Edited by Neil Coppen and published by Wits University Press, the anthology features the Top 10 short stories from over 250 submissions by emerging South African writers.
The stories range from intimate explorations of grief and identity to bold allegories tackling social justice, echoing Can Themba’s style of blending the personal with the political. Collectively, they highlight the oral storytelling traditions of Africa while capturing the urgency of contemporary South African life.
And the Winner Is: Dyondzo Kwinika
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Dyondzo Kwinika as the inaugural DALRO Can Themba Merit Award Winner for his short story Mr. Duiker Sang the Blues.
The story is described as a “confession and posthumous love letter”, exploring masculinity, queer identity, silence, and grief. Kwinika’s moving narrative traces a father’s reckoning after the medically assisted death of his estranged son – a theme as heartbreaking as it is courageous.
As part of his prize:
-
He receives R10,000 from the Centre for Creative Arts.
-
He will represent South Africa at the Bergen International Literature Festival (Norway, Feb 2026) and Time of the Writer Festival (March 2026).
-
The Market Theatre will appoint a dramaturge to adapt his story into a stage play, allowing his words to live beyond the page.
Why This Matters: Building South Africa’s Literary Future
The Can Themba Merit Award was launched earlier in 2025 at the Time of the Writer Festival, and quickly attracted hundreds of submissions from new voices across the country.
According to Lazarus Serobe, DALRO’s Managing Director:
“This award is about more than a competition – it’s about honouring Can Themba and creating a platform that can change the trajectory of emerging writers’ careers.”
This is reinforced by DALRO’s longstanding role as a copyright collective, ensuring authors, playwrights, and artists receive fair remuneration for their work. Since 1967, DALRO has protected literary and artistic rights in South Africa, empowering creators while nurturing the creative economy.
Partners Speak: Collaboration Across the Arts
-
Wits University Press (Veronica Klipp):
“We’re best known for scholarly works, but this project affirms the power of short stories to expand platforms for diverse voices. Launching this anthology on International Literacy Day makes it all the more meaningful.” -
Market Theatre (Greg Homann):
“Can Themba’s spirit still inspires new generations. By helping adapt the winning story for the stage, we honour his legacy and affirm the bridge between oral traditions, literature, and theatre.” -
Centre for Creative Arts (Ismail Mahomed):
“The award is part of a mentorship journey. It is not just about publishing but about equipping writers with the skills to navigate the global publishing industry.”
About the Institutions
-
DALRO: Founded in 1967, DALRO safeguards copyright across literature, art, and publishing, licensing works and remunerating creators.
-
Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN): A hub for cultural festivals, including Time of the Writer, Poetry Africa, JOMBA! Dance Festival, and DIFF. In 2026, it will host the World Slam Poetry Competition with over 40 countries represented.
-
Wits University Press: A leading academic publisher, now extending its reach into short fiction.
-
The Market Theatre: Known as “The Theatre of the Struggle,” the institution continues to champion South African voices.
Why the Can Themba Merit Award Matters Now
At a time when South African youth face both social and economic challenges, platforms like this provide more than recognition – they offer visibility, mentorship, and opportunity.
The anthology When Water Wants To is proof that South Africa’s next generation of writers are unafraid to confront silence, stigma, and memory. Just as Can Themba once did, they are spinning stories into truths that echo across time.
