Chalkboard Slammers Competition Guidelines
Competition Opens?
Schools Slam Competition Opens on Friday 30 May 2025.
Who is eligible for the competition?
High school learners from grades 08 to grade 12.
In what format must the poem be submitted?
The poem must be submitted in a video format (MP4/ AVI), as well as the text of the poem. Poem/video must be no more than 100MB. The video poem must not exceed 3 minutes in total. Poets may not do introductions to their poems. Entrants will be allowed a 10 second grace period. Failure to keep to the length prescribed, the poet might be disqualified.
How many poems can I submit?
Each poet may submit only one entry for the competition. Any additional entries submitted will be automatically disqualified.
Is there a theme for the competition?
There is no theme restriction, but the festivals theme “Poetry: An Architecture for Social Justice” can be a guide for poets who want an idea of which poems to prepare and share.
Are there any restrictions to the content that I produce?
Poetry Africa advocates for Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Creativity as enshrined in Section 16 of the South African Constitution. Poetry Africa will automatically disqualify entries that: Promotes Hate Speech and which is derogatory of any racial, ethnic, religious,language or other demographic group; uses sexually explicit content; promotes any kind of violence, destruction of property or lawlessness.
In what language must the poem be?
A poem submitted for the competition can be in any of the official South African languages, but it must have English subtitles if it is not in English. Poetry Africa is streamed globally, and the use of English is for the purposes of being accessible to the festival’s global audiences.
Can I use props, costumes and musical instruments to perform the poem?
Props, costumes and/or instruments are permissible in the presentation of poems. We are looking for innovation, creativity and integration with multimedia that is original, engaging and inspiring.
Can I perform somebody else’s poem?
No, the poem submitted for the competition must be original and it must be the poet’s own work. The video must not contain other people’s copyrighted material. In the event that the poet uses any other person’s content in the video (visuals or sound, etc) it is the responsibility of the poet to secure the rights of use for such content. The festival reserves the right to request proof thereof.
Can I feature other people in my video images?
No, you can not feature anyone else, we need to only have you as the poet in the video.
Can I submit a poem that I have previously submitted or a poem that I have sent to another competition?
The poem must be the learners original work and it may have been submitted somewhere else (other digital slams/projects).
Who will judge the live performances?
Independent Jury
What is the criteria for judging?
Content and interpretation of the theme
- Originality
- Creativity
- Performance
- Impact
How will I know that my poem is short-listed?
Poems that are shortlisted will be shared on the festival’s social media platforms; and the entrants will be informed by email.
Who owns the poem if I submit it to the Poetry Africa for the competition?
You own all the rights to your poem. However, by submitting it to Poetry Africa you give Poetry Africa the right to share your poem on Poetry Africa’s social media platforms?
Do I have to complete an entry form when I submit my poem?
Yes, there is a Google Form accompanying these guidelines.
What is the closing date for submission of entries?
Entries close on Thursday the 31st of July, midnight.
Live Performance Guidelines?
Phase 1 – will have 10 live performances. They will send 1 video of the same poem and its text each.
Phase 2 – will have 05 live performances.
Phase 3 – will have 3 live performances.
[N.B] All poets should wear their school uniform for the live performances on Saturday the 11th of October 2025.