The 7th Africa Century International African Writers Conference Calls for Papers

Deadline: 7 September 2018

Papers and panel proposals, interpreting the theme “Unifying Africa: Writing and reading in African languages” are invited for submission for consideration for the 7th Africa Century International African Writers Conference. The full call for submissions follows below:

Delivered by the wRite associates in partnership with the national Department of Arts and Culture, UNISA and Archie Mafeje Research Institute (AMRI) at UNISA, the Conference will take place on the 6^th and 7^th November 2018 at the Dr Miriam Makeba Concert Hall, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Campus.

The deadline for submission of papers is 7^th September and the acceptance/ rejection responses will be sent between August and 14^th September 2018.

Areas of inquiry may include, but are not limited to, the following sub-themes:

1. African languages as a vehicle for a Pan African reality.
2. Books in African languages.
3. African languages in the curriculum.
4. Decoloniality and African languages.
5. African languages in the public and cyberspace.
6. Writing in African languages with and for posterity.
7. African languages and the reality of other languages.

The Scientific Committee of the conference will select the best papers for those who send full papers for inclusion in a book that will come out in November 2019, at the 8^th Africa Century International African Writers Conference. A full paper must be a minimum of 6000, but not more than 8000 words. The book will be peer reviewed to meet the DHET requirements.

Founded by the wRite associates in 2012, the Africa Century International African Writers Conference is a legacy project of the South African Literary Awards, a project of the wRite associates in partnership with the Department of Arts Culture. The Conference was inaugurated in Mangaung, Free State Province, in partnership with the University of Free State.

“This year the two day conference will gather authors, literary scholars and historians from home and elsewhere, to explore the role of the writer in redefining pan-Africanist principles in the development, preservation and restoration of Africa’s identity, dignity and unity. The conference will be opened with the 7^th International African Writers Day Lecture on the 6^th November 2018, followed by robust seminars and panel discussions”, said Mr Morakabe Seakhoa, convenor of the Conference and SALA.

He said they “are also very excited that the conference will produce a publication, which will also include papers from the previous conferences. This will certainly highlight the significance of the conference and its contribution towards building and archiving Africa’s narrative and perspective in the global academic, social, political and economic spaces”.

The publication will also include the previous keynote speakers who delivered the lectures, i.e. Prof Zodwa Motsa, Minister of Arts and Culture, Hon Nathi Mthethwa, Prof Micere Mugo, Dr Samia Nkrumah, Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs at the African Union Commission; and former President Thabo Mbeki.

Applicants are required to submit an abstract of not more than 200 words, along with a short biographical note and contact details to: info@writeassociates.co.za.

For more details please visit www.africacenturyconference.co.za or contact Ashley Santos at 074 919 2911.