"Yes we can!"

A new President of the United States has just been elected by young Americans. Barack Obama is a young American himself and his election cry "Yes we can" will reverberate with African-Americans and with Africans themselves for many years to come.

PEN is a non-political organisation representing writers of the world, defending free-expression and encouraging literature. We live by a strong PEN Charter which champions the ideal of "one humanity living in peace in one world". Is this not an ideal to uphold for all people on all continents, including Africa? "Yes we can" becomes a call for African writers to say what they wish to say and to eschew the divisions of the past in favour of the idea of one humanity living in peace on one continent.

The excitement of our continent is reflected in the hundreds of voices we are now hearing through contributions to our PEN/STUDZINSKI Literary Awards. The 2009 award elicited an unprecedented response of 827 entries from African authors both near and far. The Editorial Board - Shaun Johnson, Chair; Anthony Fleischer; Justin Fox; Harry Garuba; Alistair King and Mary Watson - selected 34 stories for inclusion in "New Writing from Africa 2009" and JM Coetzee selected Karen Jayes, Andrew Salomon, Nadia Davids & Ceridwen Dovey as the winners of the first, second, and (joint) third prizes. These prizes were awarded at a ceremony held as part of the Franschhoek Literary Festival on the 15th May 2009.

"Yes we can!"

African writers can elbow their way to the front of the worlds' bookshelves, we can spread the sound of free Africa to the one world we all live in. In SA PEN's case this work is made possible by our loyal donors to whom we are deeply grateful:

The Ackerman Family Educational Trust Fund
Anglo American Chairman’s Fund
David Graaff Foundation
Joan St Leger Lindbergh Charitable Trust
Media 24
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
SG Menell Trust

Thank you sincerely,

Anthony Fleischer, President - SA PEN

Shaun Johnson, Alistair King, James Barty, and Anthony Fleischer announce the winners of the PEN/Studzinski Literary Award 2009 and reveal "New Writing from Africa 2009". Photo courtesy of book.co.za

Karen Jayes, first prize winner of the PEN/Studzinski Literary Award 2009. Photo courtesy of book.co.za

Originally PEN stood for Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Editors, and Novelists.  A leading voice of literature, PEN now brings together poets, novelists, essayists, historians, playwrights, critics, translators, editors, journalists and screenwriters in a common concern for the craft and art of writing and a commitment to freedom of expression through the written word.  Through its 145 Centres in more than 104 countries, PEN operates on all six continents.  The SA PEN Centre (PEN Club) is a branch of International PEN Club. 

Qualification for membership of SA PEN is a recognised position as a published writer.  The Committee is the final judge of any candidate for election to the PEN Club.  A candidate for membership is also required to agree to subscribe to the PEN Charter (go to "Charter").

If you wish to become a member please submit your CV to The Secretary, SA PEN at rudebs@icon.co.za