IsiXhosa Literary and Performance Competition

13 Aug 2024 | By Nolubabalo Tyam
ukhuphiswano lwesixhosa
13 Aug 2024 | By Nolubabalo Tyam

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is running an IsiXhosa Literary and Perfomance Competition as part of its language development plan. This project is being managed by the Multilingualism Education Project (MEP) in the Centre for HIgher Education Development (CHED). The IsiXhosa Literary and Performance Competition is one of many projects underway and planned for the development and visibilty of IsiXhosa at the university. This competition is a significant cultural event that celebrates and promote the IsiXhosa language and literature. This competition aims to encourage creativity, enhance literacy, and preserve the rich heritage of the IsiXhosa-speaking community.

The primary goal of this competition is the promotion of IsiXhosa and to encourage writers and performers to use the language creatively. By providing a platform for aspiring writers and performers, the competition not only highlights the importance of indigenous languages but also contributes to the broader narrative of South African culture. In future, participants will be encouraged to explore various genres, including but not limited to short stories, short plays, and oral storytelling. In 2024, the competition accepting entires for poetry and monologues under the theme 30 years of democracy and beyond.

Typically, this competition is divided into two categories based on poetry and monologue. This structure allows participants from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents without feeling intimidated by more experienced competitors. The literary competition will involve submitting written or recorded works that will be evaluated by a panel of judges who consider criteria such as originality, creativity, language use, and technical excellence amongst other things. On the other hand, the performance part of the competition focusses on oral expression. Participants may recite poems or perform dramatic pieces in IsiXhosa. This aspect emphasises not only linguistic skills but also the performing arts' role in storytelling traditions within IsiXhosa culture.

Judging will be rigorous and aims to uphold high standards of excellence. Judges include established authors, performers, educators, and cultural leaders who have a deep understanding of IsiXhosa literature and its nuances. They will assess submissions based on clarity of expression, emotional impact, adherence to the given theme and overall presentation.

The impact of this competition extends beyond individual recognition; they play a crucial role in community engagement. Universities often participates actively by encouraging students to enter these contests as part of their language development. Moreover, winners will receive cash prizes up to R5000 for 1st place, opportunities for mentorship with established writers or performers in the field as well as being published. This not only motivates participants but also helps cultivate future generations of IsiXhosa literary figures.

In summary, the isiXhosa Literary and Performance Competition serves as a vital platform for promoting IsiXhosa language arts, fostering creativity among aspiring writers while preserving cultural heritage through literature and performance. These events contribute significantly to enriching South Africa’s diverse literary landscape.