Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat Wins Prestigious Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award at the South African Literary Awards 2025
Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat Wins Prestigious Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award at the South African Literary Awards (SALA) 2025
Image supplied by the author
South African author and academic Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat has been announced as the winner of the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award at the South African Literary Awards (SALA) 2025, receiving the honour for her acclaimed short-story collection Tears of the Weaver.
The award, one of the country's most respected recognitions of literary excellence, celebrates outstanding achievement in short-story fiction and is named after Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, whose legacy continues to shape South African letters.
Image supplied by the author
Tears of the Weaver has been widely praised for its emotional depth, cultural resonance, and nuanced storytelling. Prior to this accolade, the collection was shortlisted for Best Fiction Short Stories at the 9th Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Awards in 2024, where it earned recognition for its literary merit and contribution to South Africa's narrative tapestry.
The 2025 SALA winners were formally announced on 11 November 2025 at the South African Literary Awards Handover Ceremony, held at the Roodepoort Theatre and Museum in Gauteng. Dr Jina Asvat's win places her among an esteemed group of writers whose work has significantly shaped contemporary South African literature.
Photo credits to Nabihah Plaatjes
A scholar and writer, Dr Zaheera Jina (PhD, WITS) has contributed meaningfully to both academic and creative spheres. Her published works include:
- Saffron: A Collection of Personal Narratives by Muslim Women (2018), African Perspectives Publishing, South Africa
- Surprise! (2017), Djarabi Kitabs Publishing, Texas, USA
- Riding the Samoosa Express: Personal Narratives of Marriage and Beyond (2015), edited with H. Asvat, Modjaji Books, South Africa
Through her storytelling, Dr Jina Asvat continues to amplify diverse voices and explore complex themes rooted in identity, community, and personal experience.
Her SALA win affirms her growing influence in the South African literary landscape and marks another significant milestone n her creative journey.
To read the Review of Tears of the Weaver, please click HERE.
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