The University of the Western Cape (UWC) proudly celebrates acclaimed poet Prof Antjie Krog, whose poetry collection Plunder has been named the winner of the prestigious Helgaard Steyn Prize for Literature for 2024. She is an Extraordinary Professor at the university’s Centre for Multilingualism and Diversities Research in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. This distinguished accolade, accompanied by prize money of R675,000, marks a significant achievement in the realm of South African literature.

According to a statement by the Helgaard Steyn Trust, the prize has been awarded annually since 1987, and alternates between disciplines including painting, literature, sculpture, and music composition. This year’s award for literature highlights Plunder as a groundbreaking work, making Prof Krog only the second poet to receive the prize. The last poetry collection to win was Breyten Breytenbach’s ‘Nege landskappe van ons tye bemaak aan ’n beminde’ in 1996.

“At this age one is deeply thankful for such a solid and rare award,” Prof Krog said. “But would like to add that I'll always remain truly appreciative of UWC's continuous energetic engagement with creativity and art and what it can contribute to life.”

Her win is also a milestone for women writers. She becomes only the second woman to claim the literature prize since Marlene van Niekerk’s ‘Agaat’ shared the honour with Hermann Giliomee’s ‘Die Afrikaners’ in 2008.

Published by Human & Rousseau in 2022, Plunder has already garnered critical acclaim, earning both the Hertzog Prize and the UJ Prize for Creative Writing. The collection is praised for its thematic depth, addressing the passage of time, ecological destruction, and the fragility of the human condition.

The Helgaard Steyn Prize selection process was rigorous. Plunder was chosen from a shortlist of  works, including ‘Decima’ by Eben Venter, ‘Gebeente’ by Etienne van Heerden, and ‘Dol heuning’ by S.J. Naudé. Convenor of the panel, Prof Henning Pieterse from the University of the Free State, said: “Within the context of extremely strong competition, it was a privilege for the judges to announce Plunder as the winner of the Helgaard Steyn Award for Literature for 2024.”

Prof Krog’s literary legacy is unparalleled. From powerful poetry to socio-political prose, her work resonates deeply with South African and global audiences. Plunder - the volume is titled Pillage in English - continues this tradition, offering a profound exploration of identity, ageing, and environmental urgency.

The University of the Western Cape celebrates Prof Krog’s remarkable achievement, a testament to her enduring impact on literature and her unwavering voice in South African storytelling.