Who is eligible for the competition?
South African poets aged 18–35 who are currently residing in South Africa are eligible to enter the competition. The winner will represent Poetry Africa and South Africa at the Continental Slam Poetry Competition. Should they advance, they will go on to compete in 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 2026, “Every Word a Street, Every Voice a City,” envisions poetry as a living landscape where language becomes both map and movement, shaping pathways of expression and connection. This theme explores how each word creates space and every voice builds community, bringing together diverse stories that map out shared worlds of rhythm, truth, and imagination.
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 posted in Google Drive, then submit the link to the video. Please ensure that the link is not private, opened to anyone with the link.
(THIS IS HOW TO DO IT : https://youtu.be/YxvU0-XjFME)
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 2026 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 and Finale Slam Competition in Durban, taking place from 5–10 October 2026. Selected participants must be available for the full duration of these dates. All further logistical details will be communicated to the Top Ten closer to the event dates. Semi-finalists will receive return flights from a major airport within South Africa to Durban, along with accommodation and catering for the duration of their stay. In addition, all Top Ten participants will attend a pre-competition Masterclass prior to the Semi-Final. Attendance and full participation in this Masterclass are compulsory.
What is the prize for the Winner of the Poetry Africa Slam Competition?
The winner will receive a total prize of Twenty Thousand Rand (R20,000). In addition, the winner will represent South Africa at the 2026 Continental Slam Poetry Competition. Should they advance at the continental level, they will go on to represent South Africa at the World Slam Poetry Competition in 2026 in Japan.
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 Friday, 31 July 2026, at 23:59PM.