Woordtrofees winners for 2025 announced

The winners of the 2025 Woordtrofees were announced on 13 November during an awards ceremony held at the SU Conservatorium. Each winner received a certificate and prize money.

With the Woordtrofees, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees annually honours artists who delivered outstanding performances at the festival.

“This year’s productions were once again of an overall high standard. What surprised me, however, was the incredible quality of the jazz productions. They were world-class, and it was difficult to choose a favorite,” says Gustav Franzsen, panellist in the Contemporary Music category (open-air concerts and larger groups).

Gustav’s colleague in this category, Laurinda Hofmeyr, says: “Some productions stood out because of the scale and professional quality of the overall production. Others captivated through the astonishing contributions of individual performers, and the positive energy of young groups and their fresh interpretations were simply overwhelming.”

Quality is the buzzword among the panel, convened by Mareli Pretorius.

“The provision of excellent lighting equipment was generally impressive. This made it possible to stage performances that incorporated audiovisual elements, which greatly contributed to the theatre experience,” says Henriëtta Plattner of the Theatre panel. “This year, we could see how AI can enhance elements that directors can skillfully employ. On the other hand, it was still delightful to see how directors can continue to surprise audiences through the use of elements such as the living pigeons in Boklied, or the live soundtrack in Ek is nie Danie. It provides the audience with an experience that TV or film simply cannot.”

The winners are:

EasyEquities BOOK PRIZE WINNERS

Fiction Top Seller

Antjie Krog (Binnerym van bloed)

Poetry Top Seller

Siphokazi Jonas (Weeping Becomes a River)

Non-fiction Top Seller

Marita van der Vyver (My jaar van vrees en vryheid)

Lifestyle Top Seller

Nataniël (Bloei + Blom)

WOW TROPHIES

The WOW Trophies honor a primary school and a high school for outstanding performance in the educational projects of this empowerment initiative (Words Open Worlds) of Stellenbosch University. WOW is a sister project of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees.

WOW Primary School of the Year

Idasvalley Primary, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

WOW-hoërskool van die jaar

Kleinvlei Secondary, Kleinvlei, Western Cape

Best Achievement in Arts Journalism (INK Festival Newspaper):

Chase Rhys

“Chase’s voice is unique, it’s Kaaps and reflects a distinctive and special outlook on life, bringing with it a wealth of experience and knowledge of the arts. We are privileged to honour Chase for their work. Chase’s work shows an honest and deep care for the arts and respect for their fellow artists,” says Marchelle van Zyl, INK editor.

Reinet Nagtegaal Text Prize

Dianne du Toit Albertze (Huis van sand)

Dianne du Toit Albertze is the winner of the inaugural Reinet Nagtegaal Text Prize, presented in collaboration with the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. It is the largest text prize in Afrikaans, and the overall winner receives, in addition to a cash prize of R120 000, mentorship and support with the final completion of the text, as well as a run at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. Read more at woordfees.co.za.

Martie Retief Meiring Award

Boklied

With the Martie Retief Meiring Award, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees aims to honour the legendary journalist after whom the prize is named, for her immense contribution to the arts festival environment. The award recognizes an artist or production that embodies Martie’s values and principles: Brave, confrontational, ambitious, innovative, challenging, and enjoyable – the kind of work that the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees wants to present, which excites audiences and gets them talking.

In Solidarity Award

Sbonakaliso Ndaba (SboNdaba Dance: In search of our Humanity)

Through the In Solidarity Award, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees recognizes role players who work across borders, tirelessly and often for little or no compensation, to achieve greater social cohesion in the arts.

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