Who is eligible for the competition?
South African poets between the ages of 18-35 and living in South Africa are eligible for the competition. The winner will represent Poetry Africa / South Africa at the World Slam Poetry Competition.
How many poems can I submit?
A poet may submit only one entry for the competition. Any additional entries submitted will be automatically disqualified.
Is there a theme for the competition?
The theme for Poetry Africa 2025, “Poetry: Architecture of Social Justice,” envisions poetry as a structural framework that builds and sustains movements for equity, inclusion, and transformation. This theme explores how poetic expression constructs bridges across societal divides, giving voice to the marginalized and challenging systemic injustices.
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:
- Promote Hate Speech and are derogatory toward any racial, ethnic, religious, language, or other demographic group;
- Use sexually explicit content;
- Promote 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. Poetry Africa is streamed globally, and the use of English is for the purpose of making the festival accessible to 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.
In what format must the poem be submitted?
The poem must be submitted in a video format (MP4, AVI). The 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 adhere to the prescribed length may result in disqualification.
Can I perform somebody else’s poem?
No, the poem submitted for the competition must be original and the poet’s own work. The video must not contain other people’s copyrighted material. If 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 for such content. The festival reserves the right to request proof of rights. The festival is also indemnified against any copyright infringements by entrants.
Can I feature other people in my video images?
Yes, you can, but it is your responsibility to obtain their permission.
Can I submit a poem that I have previously submitted or a poem that I have sent to another competition?
No, the poem must be a new, original work. It should not have been submitted anywhere else (other digital slams/projects).
Who will adjudicate the poems?
The poems submitted will be adjudicated by 3 independent panels of judges. The first panel will select the Top Ten Semi-Finalists from a long-list of submissions. The second panel will select the Top Five Finalists. The third panel will select the Winner of the 2025 Poetry Africa Slam Poetry Competition. The decision of the Jury of each panel will be final. Neither the Jury nor Poetry Africa will enter into correspondence with competitors.
What is the criteria for judging?
The following criteria will be used by the Jury to assess entries:
- Content and interpretation of the theme
- Originality
- Creativity
- Performance
- Impact
How will I know that my poem has been shortlisted?
Poems that are shortlisted will be shared on the festival’s social media platforms; the entrants will also be informed by email.
What is the prize for the Top Ten Semi-Finalists?
The Top Ten semi-finalists will be invited to perform at the Poetry Africa festival’s semi-final Slam Competition in Johannesburg on Friday, 3 October 2025. Where necessary, the Top Ten semi-finalists will be provided with flights from a major airport in South Africa to Johannesburg, 2 nights’ accommodation in Johannesburg, per diems, and a performance fee. The Top Ten semi-finalists will also be provided a Masterclass before the competition. Attendance and participation in the Masterclass is compulsory.
What is the prize for the Top Five Finalists?
The Top Five finalists will be invited to perform at the Poetry Africa festival in Durban on Saturday, 11 October 2025. Where necessary, the Top Five entrants will be provided with flights from a major airport in South Africa to Durban, 2 nights’ accommodation in Durban, per diems, and a performance fee.
What is the prize for the Winner of the Poetry Africa Slam Competition?
The winner will receive an overall fee of Twenty Thousand Rand. The winner will also represent South Africa at the World Slam Poetry Competition in 2026.
Who owns the poem if I submit it to Poetry Africa for the competition?
You own all the rights to your poem. However, by submitting it to Poetry Africa, you grant 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, you do have to complete an entry form when you submit your poem. You can find the entry form here. Due to the large volume of submissions, incomplete forms will be immediately disqualified.
What is the closing date for submission of entries?
Entries close on Monday, 14 July 2025, at midnight.