Johannesburg – Tuesday, 18 March 2025 – RSG in partnership with AKTV, proudly presents the 29th RSG Radio Drama Writing Competition. Starting today, writers have the opportunity to try their hand at crafting a radio drama. Many of RSG’s seasoned writers took their first steps in writing by entering the RSG Radio Drama Writing Competition.
What makes this competition unique is the wealth of free resources available to writers. RSG is also excited to announce that, in collaboration with the ATKV, free workshops will once again be offered in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2025. Participants will have the opportunity to attend the recording of a short radio drama, where experts will share insights into the finer nuances of radio drama production.
This year’s total prize money amounts to R115,000. The overall winner will receive R50,000, the runner-up R25,000, and the third-place drama R15,000. Additionally, a Young Writer (under 30 years old) will be awarded R15,000. A special merit prize of R10,000 will also be granted to a drama selected by the judges from the finalists that do not make the top four.
Beyond the prize money, the winning dramas will be broadcast on RSG in 2026.
The competition closes on 31 July 2025, and entries can only be submitted online. For more information, visit www.rsg.co.za.
Sonél Brits, Managing Director of ATKV-MSW says, “The ATKV is proud to support the 29th RSG Radio Drama Writing Competition. Investing in people’s lives by creating opportunities in their mother tongue is our greatest joy and most important duty.”
The ATKV believes that this competition nurtures a new generation of radio drama writers and contributes to the continued relevance of radio theatre. Brits adds that competitions like these play a role in the growth and development of the Afrikaans language. The ATKV is excited about the upcoming season and the expanding footprint of radio dramas, thanks to digital and social media platforms.
Marion Erskine was named the overall winner in 2024 and says that “there are few things as enchanting for a writer as hearing their words come to life.” According to him, a writer creates a story from an ordinary idea, and then a director, talented actors, and sound artists come together to transform it with their unique touch into something extraordinary. The words on white paper become a reality. It becomes a story that feels, breathes, and moves people.
There is no prescribed theme. Entries must be new and original radio dramas. Adaptations of existing material, stage plays, or previously published stories will not be accepted.
The full spectrum of Afrikaans varieties may be used. Only one entry per person is allowed. The duration of the dramas must be between 40 and 50 minutes. The document may be a maximum of 45 A4 pages, typed according to the competition rules. A maximum of seven characters is allowed.
A complete guide, the rules, and information regarding the workshops are available for free on RSG’s website. Visit RSG’s website at rsg.co.za for details about the competition.
For more information, contact:
Estel de Beer, Senior Producer Mandate: Drama and Education
Email: estel@rsg.co.za
