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2018 Commonwealth Short Story Prize


I almost can't believe it's that time of year again!

I entered the Commonwealth Writers Short Story competition last year and I must be honest, I am not surprised I didn't win. The competition is fierce. Writers from all over the world compete for this prestigious award. This particular competition is a cultural initiative by the Commonwealth Foundation and was set up in 2012 to connect writers and storytellers from around the globe. If you are a citizen of one with the 52 Commonwealth countries, you are eligible to submit.

So, just what is The Commonwealth?

"The Commonwealth is one of the world’s oldest political association of states. Its roots go back to the British Empire when some countries were ruled directly or indirectly by Britain. Some of these countries became self-governing while retaining Britain’s monarch as Head of State. They formed the British Commonwealth of Nations. In 1949 the association we know today – The Commonwealth – came into being. Since then, independent countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific have joined The Commonwealth. Membership today is based on free and equal voluntary co-operation. The last two countries to join The Commonwealth - Rwanda and Mozambique - have no historical ties to the British Empire." - The Commonwealth History 
"Reaffirming the core values and principles of the Commonwealth as declared by this Charter:
  • 1. Democracy
  • 2. Human rights
  • 3. International peace and security
  • 4. Tolerance, respect and understanding
  • 5. Freedom of Expression
  • 6. Separation of Powers
  • 7. Rule of Law
  • 8. Good Governance
  • 9. Sustainable Development
  • 10. Protecting the Environment
  • 11. Access to Health, Education, Food and Shelter
  • 12. Gender Equality
  • 13. Importance of Young People in the Commonwealth
  • 14. Recognition of the Needs of Small States
  • 15. Recognition of the Needs of Vulnerable States
  • 16. The Role of Civil Society
We aspire to a Commonwealth that is a strong and respected voice in the world, speaking out on major issues; that strengthens and enlarges its networks; that has a global relevance and profile; and that is devoted to improving the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth." - The Commonwealth Charter  

Last Year's Winner

Ingrid Persaud took home the overall prize in 2017. Take a moment to read her entry The Sweet Sop. If you are considering to enter, make sure to read the work of some of the previous winners so that can get a sense of what the judges are looking for. 

The Prize

South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth and so this year I will be entering again. The overall winner will take home £5,000 (roughly R83,000). Now that is a figure I would like to have ;-) The deadline is 1 November though, so I don't know about you but I better get to it.

Good luck!

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