The Share Botswana Tourism Fiction Award shortlist results as judged by Ms Tlotlo Tsaamase, Ms Cheryl Ntumy, Mr Samuel Lephalo,  Mrs Kenanao Phele, Mr Mbizo Chirasha, Ms Neo Bridgette Kitso  are as follows:

Short Stories:

A Late Night Tswii Hunt, Valentine Butale

Coming to Gaborone, Onalenna Rammekwa

Goo-Moremi, Tlotlo Rasesia

Love, Heal, Travel, Phenyo Noxolo Setswe

Mphoentle, Vanessa Meyer

The beauty before our eyes, Dikabo Mogopodi

The Healing Balm,  Busamoya Phodiso Modirwa

The Tusk,  Motlatsi Nomhle Mojela

Tum Tum,  Adriano Fedi

Wayfare of the Mystical Cave,   Gregory Ramodiane

Short Story Teen Entries:

Tefo’s Day in the Delta, Will Moleta

Blessed Be this Noble Land,  Olefile Jamaal Maganda Ramaphane

The Amazing Elephant, Tshepo Simon

Poetry:

Zebras, and This is Botswana – Kago Tankiso Jay Nkwe

Dry Heart, Mokoro Bliss, and Dreaming Tsodilo Hills – Teedzani Thapelo

Queen Jacana, Delta Lover, Dear Moremi – Mmakgosi O. Anita Tau

Botswana, Blue Train, and I am in Love – Mositi  Torontle

Stone Reptile, and Desert Sands – Tinotenda T. Kapatamoyo

This year’s shortlist consists of 13 (eleven) short stories and 13 (eleven) individual poems. In commenting on some of the entries the judges said:

“Morbid start to a story, though interesting. The juxtaposition between the scenic place and the villainous character’s is quite a stark beauty. It can be told with moral as a theme. Although it needs a more cathartic ending.”

“The friendship dynamics in this story are well thought out and beautiful.”

“An interesting story coupled with a somewhat distinct voice.”

“Interesting story within a story, and an emotional arc.”

“This poet is raring to go, powerful use of language. Though must choose suiting titles. We have a poet in this entry.”

“Captivating  poetry. I found a  poet  and I discovered  Botswana  in this  collection.”

“Promising. Good language skills. Very original.”

“Hair raising poetry.”

Our 2019 partners: Botswana Tourism Organisation, Poet Passports and Nascali Publishers.