Young writers can showcase their talent in City's annual competition

Children between the ages of nine and 13 can explore their storytelling talent and imagination through the City of Cape Town’s annual writing competition, hosted by the City’s libraries.

The winners will be announced at the Open Book Festival later this year.

In 2024, the competition focused on environmental awareness and attracted 100 entries from young writers. The City’s library and information services have decided to hold the competition again after its success.

Primary schools, book clubs and children within the age group are encouraged to enter. Entries open on Monday May 5, and close on Friday August 8.

This year’s theme invites participants to imagine discovering a mysterious box while exploring their school or local library. The box is described as having strange symbols and a faint humming sound, and writers are asked to create a short story about what happens when the box is opened.

Stories can be written in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa.

Stories must be original and handwritten, and fall within a word count of 500 to 1 500 words.

Submissions can take the form of a picture book, short or long story, or graphic novel. Illustrations and drawings are encouraged and will be taken into account by the judges.

"Writing provides a creative outlet and also helps children to organise their thoughts and emotions. By putting pen to paper, they learn a new way to communicate and use the written language to express themselves. Our children are creative with vivid imaginations, and I’m sure the judges will have a hard time picking a winner. I want to encourage all our learners to participate as they could very well write their way to a future as authors," said the City's mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham.

The prize-giving will be held at the Open Book Festival on Saturday September 6. Stories can be submitted via email to psp.libraries@capetown.gov.za or handed in at the nearest library.