In 2024, the largest text-based prize in South Africa was born – the Woordfees Text Prize – which drew great enthusiasm from the theatre community. “Not only is there an element of excitement and the encouragement of substantial prize money, but there is also prestige and the opportunity to truly refine a script before it is staged,” Saartjie Botha, director of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees.
In addition to prize money, the overall winner receives mentorship and support to bring their text to completion, as well as the possibility of a performance run at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. Two runners-up are also named, who also receive prize money. The winner of the first Nagtegaal Text Prize in its new era is Dianne du Toit Albertze with her text Huis van sand.