Kalemba Prize

LUSAKA, September 24 — Winners of the inaugural Literacy Day Short Story Competition (LDSSC) have been announced by Mbozi Haimbe, Founder of Tushimo Literary Services.

The national competition was launched by a collaborative effort between Tushimo, Zambia Centre for Community Schools (ZCCS) and Commundo to celebrate and encourage creative writing among learners as part of the overall drive towards championing literacy in Zambia. There are two categories to the competition, these: Primary, Grades 5-7, and Secondary, Grades 8-12.

Children sent in their stories from schools in Lusaka, Mongu, Kafue, Kitwe and Choma, delighting the judging panel with their imagination and enthusiasm.

“Well done to all who participated and thank you to our judges, Marjorie M. Simuyuni, Sydney Muponda and Austin Kaluba. Thanks also goes to the LDSSC Committee, the link officers at ZCCS, the teachers from the participating schools, the parents who supported their children and our generous sponsors. This was truly a team effort, said Haimbe.

Hearty congratulations to the top three winners in each category:

Primary Category

First Prize: Laika Phiri, ‘All Things Big And Small’ – K300

Second Prize: Evans Kabanda, ‘Why Hyenas Fear Lions’ – K250

Third Prize: Teddy Zulu, ‘Lost In The City of Lusaka’ – K200

Secondary Category

First Prize: Justin Phiri, ‘The Whispers In The Wall,’ – K500

Second Prize: Lynn Pelekelo, ‘Fiends of The Night,’ – K400

Third Prize: Veronica Mudenda, ‘Ambitious Girl,’ – K350

Additionally, all winners will receive books and stationery and will have their stories published in an anthology in 2025, along with ten other shortlisted stories.

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, September 1 – Sylvia Mbewe has been announced as the 2023 Kalemba Short Story Prize winner for her short story, described as “immersive, spellbinding and unapologetic” by Judges.

The USD1500 award is for the best work of original and unpublished short fiction written in English by a Zambian author.

Meanwhile, Up the Eucalyptus Tree by Mikha Mweetwa and No Strings Attached by Mukandi Siame emerged as run-ups.   

Mbewe won for Dark Motives — a captivating classic story of a man trying to get rid of an extra-marital problem. 

“Dingani turned his head to study her; her arms were folded across her chest – a defensive stance. Her lips were pouting in a petulant manner – defiance. Her forehead was creased in a scowl that brought her two big moles on either side of her nose bridge closer together – anger. She kept her eyes staring dead ahead, refusing to meet his eyes or acknowledge him.” 

A graduate of Evelyn Hone College and radiographer by profession, Mbewe is an avid reader turned writer. 

“Writing, for me, was nurtured out of my almost obsessive habit of reading books,” she says. “Eventually, I found myself transitioning from constantly reading to attempting to write my own stories.”

Mbewe almost didn’t submit her winning story. “I was in labour while concluding Dark Motives and racing to beat the clock to the deadline. I almost shelved it but persevered on it in the last minute.”

Winning the Kalemba Prize, she said “would truly be a monumental achievement and a highlight in my writing journey that I will proudly share with my eight-month-old baby in the years to come. It would not only open up exciting new opportunities but also boost my confidence as a writer, allowing me to pursue my passion with even greater determination and conviction.”

A native of Chingola, Mbewe, will be presented with the award at a special event in Lusaka later in September.

Her story beat five others to win the prize, including, in second place, Up the Eucalyptus Tree by Mikha Mweetwa and No Strings Attached (second run-up) by  Mukandi Siame – both will receive USD500 each.

Other finalists are Animals by Mutale Chisulo, Don’t Forget to Remember by Birbal Boniface Musoba, and Glyn Mwiya’s The Guest. 

A total of 242 stories competed for the 2023 Kalemba Prize, now in its fourth edition.

The judging panel, chaired by editor and writer Austin Kaluba, described the story as “dark as its name; immersive and unforgettable storytelling,” said the judges. “It is the classic story of a man trying to get rid of an extra-marital problem; however, the author tells it with fresh insights by utilizing the interiority of the characters. Speaking of characters, the author presents us with realistic, flawed individuals who unapologetically scheme to get what they want. The skillful plotting draws the reader to the grizzly twist at the end.

Kaluba was joined on the panel by award-winning writer Mbozi Haimbe — winner of the 2019 Commonwealth Short-Story Prize Africa Region for Madam’s Sister; Burundian writer and creative Lionel Ntasano and award-winning German-Zambian novelist —The Entitled, Chobela Ndilila. 

The Kalemba Prize is a home-grown and funded initiative celebrating Zambian writing.

Join us on our vibrant Facebook and Twitter for updates.

In no particular order, the top six stories from the 2023 Kalemba Short Story Prize.
One of these stories will emerge as the winner on September 1, 2023.

Enjoy the best of Zambian short fiction.

1. No Strings Attached – Mukandi Siame




2. Dark Motives – Sylvia Mbewe





3. Don’t Forget to Remember – Birbal Boniface Musoba

4. The Guest – Glyn Mwiya

5. Animals – Mutale Chisulo

6. Up the Eucalyptus Tree – Mikha Mweetwa

1. The Guest – Glyn Mwiya

2. Animals – Mutale Chisulo

3. Don’t Forget to Remember – Birbal Boniface Musoba

4. Up the Eucalyptus Tree – Mikha Mweetwa

5. Dark Motives – Sylvia Mbewe

6. No Strings Attached – Mukandi Siame

LUSAKA, 16 August – The short-list for the 2020 Kalemba Prize has been announced by the Chair of Judges, writer and editor, Austin Kaluba.

Kaluba described the six short-listed stories as “memorable, honest, skillful and unapologetic.”

The winning writer will be announced on September 1, and will receive $1500, while the two run ups will receive $500 each. It will be the first time that the run ups will be awarded.

The short-list was decided by a panel of judges, who included Mbozi Haimbe, Lionel Ntasano, Chobela Ndilila and Austin Kaluba.

The six final entries in no particular order are:

1. The Guest – Glyn Mwiya

2. Animals – Mutale Chisulo

3. Don’t Forget to Remember – Birbal Boniface Musoba

4. Up the Eucalyptus Tree – Mikha Mweetwa

5. Dark Motives – Sylvia Mbewe

6. No Strings Attached – Mukandi Siyame

The top six stories will be published ahead of announcing the winner.

A special mention goes to four other stories which the panel described as “suspenseful, enjoyable, highly engaging, and solid writing.”

The Blues – Fiske Nyirongo

Squelching Noises – Clarence Chongo

The Final Act – Nduluma Mwaba

The Family Terminator – Neddy Chimpati

The winner will receive the prize at a special event in Lusaka later in September. The 2023 prize has been made possible with the support and partnership of Justin Chinyanta.

“I look forward to supporting this important project,” said Chinyanta.

Lusaka, Zambia, 27 July – Congratulations to the 14 shortlisted writers.

This has been the most competitive year yet.

It was not easy to pick the top 14 stories, later on, 12, as in previous years.

Thank you to our talented and creative longlisted writers, you might not have made it to the shortlist on this occasion, but keep writing, spread your wings beyond KSSP, otherwise, 2024KSSP is around the corner.

The winner will be announced at a date in August and will receive USD1500, and the two run-ups USD500 each.

Kalemba will publish the top six stories a week before announcing the winner.

Good luck and best wishes.

In no particular order, we present you the 2023 KSSP shortlist;

1. Up the Eucalyptus Tree – Mikha Mweetwa

2. Don’t forget to Remember – Birbal Boniface Musoba

3. The Guest – Glyn Mwiya

4. Squelching Noises – Clarence Chongo

5. The Final Act – Nduluma Mwaba

6. The Family Terminator – Neddy Chimpati

7. A Union of Inconvenience – Jolezya Adeyemo

8. No Strings Attached – Mukandi Siyame

9. Father Forgive me for I have Sineth – Ndanji Nyirenda

10. Dark Motives – Sylvia Mbewe

11. Animals – Mutale Chisulo

12. The Blues – Fisk Nyirongo

13. A Chance at Life – Natasha Mwenda

14. The Papa, the Patient and the Physician – Katenekwa Njekwa

Lusaka, 27 May – We are privileged to announce our distinguished panel of judges, a combined team of internationally acclaimed and award-winning authors and editors – Mbozi Haimbe (Zambia), Lionel Ntasano (Burundi), Austin Kaluba (Zambia) and Chobela Ndilila, Author, The Entitled (German-Zambia).

Kaluba, short story writer and editor, will serve as Chair.

The entries will be judged on imagination, verbal skills, originality and style.

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, 29 April – Congratulations to the longlisted writers! For those who didn’t make the list, thank you for your wonderful stories and please keep writing.

So, what next?

– Long-listed writers will be invited to participate in a masterclass delivered by an expert in fiction and short-story writing. The purpose of the masterclass will be to build upon and help sharpen your entries, and your overall writing skills beyond Kalemba.

– Long-listed writers who will participate in the masterclass (details to be communicated) will have the option to revise and resubmit their entries within seven (7) days – after the masterclass (details and new link will follow)

NOTE: It’s not mandatory for longlisted writers to participate, however, it’s an opportunity to grab with both hands and explains why our long lists is generous this year.)

– Twelve (12) shortlisted entries will be published on our digital platforms.

– The panel of judges, constituted by renowned writers and literary luminaries, will select the top six stories and, subsequently, the top three.

– The panel of judges is being finalized and will be announced in due course.

– The top six stories will be published on the Kalemba website a week before announcing the winning and two run-up entries.

Please do NOT send emails asking for the status of the judging process. All updates will be posted on our digital platforms. ‘NO POST’ from us means that the judging process is on track.

Something else

Can the writer of the story, The Inciting Incident, email us on info@ukusefya.com.

Lastly, we are reviewing two more stories. This is due to a technicality. When auditing the number of entries against the final list, we couldn’t account for two entries. We eventually found them.

The two stories are under review and if they make it, will be added to the longlist no later than Friday, 5 May.

1.           Zina – Cornelius Mwanza

2.           Words for the lost child – Mwenya Chikwa

3.           Who the Cap Fits – Thomas Chisengatambu

4.           When it all Clears – Trevor Ace Tao

5.           Up the Eucalyptus Tree – Mikha Mweetwa

6.           Unforeseen – Tecla Bwalya Mulenga

7.           Two-Faced Psycho – Timothy Mumba

8.           Tina’s Trauma – Nikiwe Taonga Thole

9.           Till Death – Mazuba Mwiinga

10.         Thirty9 Steps to Freedom – Simon Kansembe

11.         The Trip a Trap – Mbeti Sishekanu

12.         The Tribe – David Chiza Gondwe

13.         The Testament – Abigail Lubala

14.         The Talk by the stream – Jeremiah Chenge

15.         The Sexual Predator – Samuel Zimba

16.         The Papa, the Patient and the Physician – Katenekwa Njekwa

17.         The Njalimwenes – Mulobeka Albert Phiri

18.         The Mysterious Beast – Nchimunya Hatowa

19.         The Midnight Man – Margaret Mwenya

20.         The Man from the West – Adam Njobvu

21.         The Jacaranda Broomed in June – Chileshe Mutale

22.         Sins of the Father – Musole Prince Silungwe

23.         The Housekeeper – Brenda Nyambe

24.         The Guest – Glyn Mwiya

25.         The Final Act – Nduluma Mwaba

26.         The Family Terminator – Neddy Chimpati

27.         The Evil Within – Niza Chavula

28.         The Curious Case of Benjamin – John Phiri

29.         The Chosen Lamb – Taoma Mukwala

30.         The Childhood Clock – Jackson Chabala

31.         The Broken Arow – Isaac Likuji

32.         The Blues – Fiske Nyirongo

33.         The Evil within – Niza Chabula

34.         The Blue Shirt – Musiyani Silumbe

35.         Suicide Notes – Veagan Muchena

36.         Strangers at Home – William Mupotola

37.         Stepmother – Kaseba Lubambo

38.         Squelching noises – Clarence Chongo

39.         Some Days are Worse than Monday – Mpundu Charles Chilumba Mulenga

40.         Small World – Caroline Musole

41.         Shallow – Kees de Kwaasteniet

42.         Silver Head Red Hands – Racheal Tembo

43.         Seeing Anew – Kapampa Mwape

44.         Secrets – Teri Yombwe

45.         Red Ink Thandiwe – Chisela Chibale

46.         Pieces of Flesh – Given Chikwela

47.         Pelts – Nancy Mubanga

48.         No Strings Attached – Mukandi Siyame

49.         M’zimu Wachikondi – Kondwani Bwalya

50.         Martha’s Monster – Michael Mwanza

51.         Love Over Water – Bwalya Mambwe

52.         Locked Emotions let Loose – Kashweka Nalungwana

53.         Kasuba – Nancy Mwenya

54.         Ghost in Love – Mukelebai Catherine Mulasikwanda

55.         Forbidden Love –  Angela Kunda Mupeta

56.         Father Forgive me for I have Sineth – Ndanji Nyirenda

57.         Extension – Chansa Folotiya

58.         Echo – Thandiwe Siwo

59.         Don’t Remember to Forget – Birbal Boniface Mutoba

60.         Dark Motives – Sylvia Mbewe

61.         Corrupted – Douglas Kawimbe

62.         Cilil – Genevieve Kana

63.         Chimbuya – Musenga Katongo

64.         Call for the Sandy Tombs – Kaluwe Haangala

65.         Bush Mouse – Abel Lungu

66.         Bodza – Mupila yalobi

67.         Behind the Make-up – Mwewa Kashell Mwaba

68.         Before I Rest – Towela Kondowe

69.         Attract and Repel: Justified Madness – Keegan Sichone

70.         Atsikana – Theresa Silvester

71.         Are you coming Back? – Bwanga Kapumba

72.         Annie  – Pierre Bwalya

73.         Animals – Mutale Chisulo

74.         And the River Sang – Kelvin Jatwa

75.         An Encounter with a Smooth Criminal – George Banda

76.         An Akabi Princess – Inonge Noyoo

77.         A Union of Inconvenience – Jolezya Adeyemo

78.         A Night to Remember – David Mumba

79.         A Mother’s Visit – Susan Mutale

80.         A Leap of courage – Rose Mukondya

81.         A Chance at Life – Natasha Mwenda

82.         A Bitter Love Triangle – Sanfrossa Manyinda

LUSAKA, 22 January – A team of reviewers made up of seasoned editors and creative writers have started the process of reading and selecting the entries.

PLEASE NOTE: The entries are selected anonymously by independent reviewers who are not part of the Kalemba Prize.

Stories are sent to reviewers with ZERO personal details of the writers, this includes name, sex, age, location, and all other information. Only Kalemba administrators have these details.

– Long-listed entries will be published on all Kalemba digital platforms.

– Long-listed writers will be invited to participate in a masterclass delivered by an expert in fiction and short-story writing. The purpose of the masterclass will be to build upon and help sharpen the story telling skills of promising writers.

– Long-listed writers who will participate in the masterclass (in person or virtually) will have the option to revise and resubmit their entries within seven (7) days. NOTE: It’s not mandatory for longlisted writers to participate, however, it’s an opportunity to grab with both hands.

– Twelve (12) shortlisted entries will be published on our digital platforms.

– The panel of judges, constituted by renowned writers and literary luminaries, will select the top six stories and, subsequently, the top three.

– The panel of judges will be announced at a later stage.

– The top six stories will be published on the Kalemba website a week before announcing the winning and two run-up entries.

Please do NOT send emails asking for the status of the judging process. All updates will be posted on our digital platforms. ‘NO POST’ from us means that the judging process is on track.

We hope to conclude sooner, however experience has taught us not to give specific dates so early in the process.

We are projecting to announce the winner between May and June. Specific dates and timeline for the longlist, masterclass, shortlist and winner announcement will follow in due course.

For any clarifications, post in the comments, we will respond for the benefit of everyone. Do NOT send us emails, we will not respond.

Lastly, we know how difficult and punishing the simple act of waiting can be, but be assured that we are at it, and we promise to give every story the time and chance it deserves.

Good Luck.

November 27, 2022 – We caught up with Rhodasi’ Dhasi’ Mwale, winner of the 2020 Kalemba Prize, for

her short story, ‘If it Aren’t Broke.’

We wanted to know what she has been up to and her advice to writers entering the 2023 Kalemba Prize.

Q: What have you been up to since winning KSSP 2020?

I have been doing my best to keep writing, slowly but surely.

I have published two Zambian romance novels with Love Africa Press – www.loveafricapress.com – Note Worthy, a contemporary romance – https://dhasimwale.wordpress.com/…/27/note-worthy-is-out/

The second one and recently out, Damned If I Love You, a paranormal/fantasy romance, available here: https://tinyurl.com/Damned-If-I-Love-You

I haven’t gone full fledge romance writer, though. I share my serialized stories on my Page: https://web.facebook.com/dhasimwale and Blog: www.dhasimwale.wordpress.com/

On the short story front, my story, Bet On Me, set during N’cwala, was featured in an African Festivities Anthology: https://tinyurl.com/Love-At-A-Festival.

My other sci-fi-fantasy short story, One Part Us Two Part Ghost, got an honorable mention in the 2021 Q3 L Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest.

You can read it here https://tinyurl.com/One-Part-Us.

Q: What advice do you have for the writers entering the 2023 KSSP

Don’t aim for relevance or groundbreaking work; aim for honesty.

A thesaurus is great but beware of using words just for the beauty of it. Obviously, edit, and get honest feedback (not from loved ones). Most important of all, SUBMIT it. Remember, you miss all the shots you don’t take — all the best to the entrants.

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2023 Kalemba is open for submissions until 10 December 2022.