Johannesburg – Tuesday, 10 December 2024 – The winners of the 28th RSG Radio Drama Writing Competition, presented in collaboration with the ATKV, were announced on Monday, 9 December 2024, during the popular program Spitstyd on RSG. This annual competition, which attracts prominent and emerging writing talents, affirms RSG’s role as a pioneer in radio drama in South Africa. Winning this prestigious competition is not only an honour but also an opportunity to contribute to the tradition of bringing radio theatre to listeners’ homes.

According to Estel de Beer, RSG’s Senior Drama and Education Producer, this year’s entries displayed a significant rise in quality. “The judges noted the exceptional standard of entries this year. The winners stood out, leading us to award an additional merit prize. We’re excited to share these incredible stories with our listeners, said De Beer.”

Sonél Brits, ATKV-MSW’s managing director, expressed her pride in the competition, emphasising its role in making the arts accessible and enriching the Afrikaans language and culture.

The winners are as follows:

• 1st Place: Konneksie by Marion Erskine
• 2nd Place: Leniesgif by Hendie Grobbelaar
• 3rd Place: Lyne Wat Kruis by Wilmi Wheeler
• Young Writer: Die Versamelde Dagboeke van Ene Professor Weideman by Shawn Day

Due to the stiff competition, RSG has awarded two merit prizes this year:

• Merit Prize 1: Twee Grafgrawers en ‘n Melkhout by Jaco Versfeld
• Merit Prize 2: Die Vrywording van Egbertus Lodewikus Appel by Manie Groenewald

Winner Backgrounds:

• Marion Erskine, a South African-born writer now based in France, has authored multiple books, including Vlerke vir Almal (2017), which won an ATKV Woordveertjie award. His 2018 radio drama Akwarius also earned him an ATKV Mediaveertjie.
• Hendie Grobbelaar, known for her short stories published in Vrouekeur, has a history of accolades in the RSG Radio Drama Competition, including her 2020 finalist drama Sterrereën.
• Wilmi Wheeler drew inspiration for Lyne Wat Kruis from her personal work experiences and challenges.
• Shawn Day, the 21-year-old winner of the Young Writer category, holds a BA in Drama from Stellenbosch University.
• The ATKV, as the competition’s main sponsor, provided workshops that enhanced the quality of entries this year.

RSG looks forward to hosting the 29th Radio Drama Writing Competition in 2025, with details to be announced soon.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted their entries!

Ends

Issued By:                             Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                   Mmoni Seapolelo (Head of Communications)

Seapolelomv@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590