Vutshila Magaisa, a Grade 11 learner from Akani High School in Tiyani village, has won the Poetry Award at the 2025 South African Literary Awards.
The ceremony was held on 11 November at the Roodepoort Theatre and Museum in Gauteng. More than 200 dignitaries attended the 20th SALA ceremony, including Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, who delivered the keynote address.
Founded in 2005 by wRite Associates, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, SALA celebrates excellence in 16 literary categories across all 11 official South African languages. The awards affirm linguistic diversity, cultural identity and literary heritage.
Vutshila is the author of Vutshila Bya Vutlhokovetseri, a Xitsonga poetry anthology published in 2023. He received a certificate, a trophy and a cash prize of R30,000. The book addresses contemporary social matters in South Africa and globally.
Vutshila is the second-born child of acclaimed author and Order of Ikhamanga recipient Themba Patrick Magaisa, popularly known as TP Magaisa. He said his father had inspired his love of writing. "I remember I was eight years old when I started. My father's achievements inspired me, and one day I gave him my first poem. From there, I never stopped writing," he said.
Reflecting on his award, he added: "I feel blessed and honoured because it is not easy to get this award. This recognition motivates me to continue writing. I want to study and pass my matric, and I want to continue writing books that will bring me more recognition."
Vutshila said his goal with Vutshila Bya Vutlhokovetseri was to write a book that spoke to everyone's life. "I think I have succeeded. Every reader will gain strength to face daily life with courage, and they will also learn more about poetry and the Xitsonga language," he said.
His father said he was proud and humbled. "It is not every day that children get inspired by what happens at home. I have always been by his side, polishing his work. He has also benefited a lot from our annual TP Magaisa Writers Workshops," he said.