Application: PEN it down - The Jakes Gerwel Foundation

Please have the following information on hand before starting to fill out the application form. Please note: The combined size of all files may not exceed 20 MB. If the total size is more than 20 MB, your application will not reach us.

Applicable to all applicants:

• Full names and surname
• ID number
• Address
• Contact number
• Email address
• Good photo
• Short author bio

Additional documents for PEN it down:

• Motivation letter
• Clear overview of writing project
• Examples of current and previous work (upload as documents below or paste URLs in the text box at the end of the form)
• A letter from a publisher interested in publishing your work will count strongly in your favour.

Requirements and important dates:

• Open to both emerging and established writers
• Writing in Afrikaans? Are you a member of PEN Afrikaans? If not, please contact Catrina Wessels at penafrikaans@gmail.com to learn more about what such membership entails and what the process involves. Membership is not compulsory at the time of application, but the writer will be expected to become a member if he or she is approved.
• All South African authors writing in English are welcome to apply for the PEN South Africa residency, even if you are not a registered member of PEN SA.
• Applications close: 30 January 2026
• Announcement of successful candidates: 27 February 2026
• Residency (candidates must confirm availability for the set dates when applying): 20 April to 10 May 2026

APPLICATION FORM

Full names and surname (mandatory)

ID number (mandatory)

Address (mandatory)

Contact number (mandatory)

Email address (mandatory)

Do you have a medical condition
and/or disability we need to be
aware of?

Are you available on the mentioned dates?

Where did you hear about the Jakes Gerwel Foundation?

Please upload the following files:

Good photo

(accepted file types: .jpeg | .jpg | .png)
(maximum size: 8 mb)

Short author bio

(accepted file types: .doc|.docx|.odt|.txt|.pages|.pdf|.rtf)

Motivation letter

(accepted file types: .doc|.docx|.odt|.txt|.pages|.pdf|.rtf)

Overview of writing project

(accepted file types: .doc|.docx|.odt|.txt|.pages|.pdf|.rtf)

Examples of current and previous work (document 1, optional)

(accepted file types: .doc|.docx|.odt|.txt|.pages|.pdf|.rtf)

Examples of current and previous work (document 2, optional)

(accepted file types: .doc|.docx|.odt|.txt|.pages|.pdf|.rtf)

Examples of current and previous work (document 3, optional)

(accepted file types: .pdf | .docx | .doc)

Letter from publisher (optional)

(accepted file types: .pdf | .docx | .doc)

Additional message to the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and/or examples of your work (optional)

PLEASE NOTE
• No individual feedback will be given to the applicant about the quality of his/her application.
• If your application is successful, you will be expected to spend the full duration of the residency in KwaNojoli and to interact with the other writers. The residency is not for writers who want to write in complete isolation.
• International writers are responsible for applying for their visas on time if their application is approved.