By Dean Chisambo
The Malawi Writers Union (MAWU) has launched a short story writers’ competition aimed at uncovering new talent in the country.
Speaking during the launch on Friday, MAWU Board Chairman Lawrence Kadzitche highlighted the challenges faced by the country’s literary scene.
He pointed out that while people are writing, the reading culture has diminished, as many read only for examination purposes.
Publishers predominantly focus on educational books, resulting in the closure of bookshops.
Kadzitche stated, “When people buy books, they are typically books that will help them pass exams.”
“Even when they are ready, they just read to pass those exams.”
He revealed that K2 million has been allocated to the competition, though the total cost will likely reach K3 million.
This amount will cover not only prize money but also the venue and logistics.
In his remarks, MAWU President Shadreck Chikoti emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to enhance the reading culture and promote literary works.
He said, “You see how much we are putting writers on a universal platform in terms of current affairs, because we are talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
Chikoti further explained that the competition would promote both current affairs and literature.
He disclosed that the competition will have two categories: one for secondary school students and another for the general public.
The competition is open to Malawians both in the country and in the diaspora.
Chikoti shared that the first prize in the general category is K1 million, while the first prize for secondary school students is K350,000.
Other prizes will also be awarded.
He further emphasized that the most important aspect of the competition is that the winning short story will be published in an anthology.
Chikoti also noted that as MAWU celebrates 30 years of existence, it plans to host an Indaba, an international trade fair, and showcase anthologies, short stories, and poetry.
He urged support from both the government and the corporate world to make these initiatives successful.
One of the participants, writer, fiction author, and poet Kondwani Sichali, shared his thoughts on the competition.
He noted that it will help raise awareness in both urban and rural areas about AI and its role in combating misinformation and disinformation.
The theme for the competition is “Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health.”
MAWU, established in 1995, is celebrating 30 years of existence and has produced renowned writers such as Steve Chimombo, Jack Mapanje, and many others.
