We are delighted to invite writers to apply for the following residency programmes in 2026 that are offered at our Paulet House in KwaNojoli (Somerset East). Interested parties should please note the following:
Please take note of the closing dates of the respective residencies as well as the documents to be included in your application, as set out on each application page. All applications must be submitted through our online application forms. Click on “Apply” under the residency of your choice.
There is a difference between mentorship programmes aimed exclusively at emerging writers and residencies which are available to both emerging and established writers.
We define an emerging writer as someone of any age who is still in the early stages of their writing career in a specific genre, and who has not had the necessary support or exposure to receive major recognition for their work in this genre.
An established writer is someone who has published two or more works with major publishers; has received recognition for their work or is widely known within their genre; and/or earns a portion of their income from writing in that genre.
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 Jakes Gerwel Foundation covers the travel and accommodation costs of the successful candidates. Please note: No individual feedback will be given to the applicant about the quality of their application.
The mentorship programmes are presented in both Afrikaans and English.
International applications are welcome; however, only domestic travel costs are covered by the Foundation. International writers are responsible for applying for their visas on time if their application is approved.
The residencies all include the following:
- National return tickets to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), if needed
- Transport between the airport and KwaNojoli
- A comfortable “room with a view” of your own
- Housekeeping services
- Delicious meals prepared by the Foundation’s resident chef
- Unlimited access to the internet
- Writing space in your room, in quiet spots inside the house and in the garden
Bosberg Book Writing
Brussels to Karoo
Longhope TV Writing Project
NATi Rising Stars
PEN it Down
Second Book Writers’ Residency
Bosberg Book Writing
This flagship project is named after the beautiful mountain range right next to Paulet House. Other names for the Bosberg are Nojoli or Khelelela. Years ago, when the amaXhosa would pass buckets of water hand to hand from the peak of the mountain, they would sing this song: Khelelela.
The Bosberg Book Writing programme boasts several debut authors who have made names for themselves since, including Engela Ovies (Draairivier and Flora), Bronwyn Davids (Lansdown Dearest), Shana Fife (Ougat), Audrey Jantjies (As die katjiepiering blom), Deidré Jantjies (Stories in die wind), Sihle Qwabe (The Resurrection), Lebo Mazibuko (Bantu Knots), Tebello Mzamo (I Did Not Die), Juliette Mnqeta (If the Dead Could Talk), Reggie Peace (Vredemaker), Nadia Cassim (Not Another Samoosa Run!), and Faeed Amardien (Life is ’n Biets), to name a few.
Emerging writers are invited to apply in one of three categories: novels, short stories, or poetry. Upon completion of this intensive development programme, the writer is assisted in submitting their manuscript for publication to an appropriate publisher.
Although there is no cut-off date for applications, the final selection is made in November in the preceding year.
Apply
Click here for information about the 2025 participants.
Brussels to Karoo
Brussels to Karoo is a residency programme offered by the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and Passa Porta International Writers House in Brussels, Belgium. As the name suggests, Flemish and South African writers are brought together in the Karoo in KwaNojoli. This project aims to stimulate the exchange of ideas between Flemish and South African writers, broaden horizons, and enrich and expand the respective literatures.
Afrikaans writers are further invited to be considered for LitNet’s Kommadagga resident writer. Kommadagga is one of the landmarks on the way to Paulet House. This component of the Brussels to Karoo programme recognizes an Afrikaans writer or poet who makes a significant contribution to literature; has possible ties with the Belgium and the Netherlands; and can produce strong academic outputs.
There are no mentors involved and both emerging and established writers of all genres are invited to apply.
Dates for 2026
- Closing date: 5 June 2026
- Announcement: 7 August 2026
- Residency: 5 to 25 October 2026
Apply
Click here for information about the 2025 participants.
Longhope TV Writing Project
The Jakes Gerwel Foundation and M-Net Channels’ intensive mentorship programme offers talented, emerging screenwriters the opportunity to hone their writing skills and learn from experienced and productive writers in the television and film industry. Longhope, which refers to one of the districts near KwaNojoli, indeed offers hope. Not only do emerging writers learn from the country’s leading experts, but successful candidates are given the opportunity to gain practical experience at M-Net Channels’ production houses after completing the mentorship programme. Several previous participants have been offered permanent positions following the three-month internship.
Dates for 2026
- Closing date: 3 July 2026
- Announcement: 18 September 2026
- Residency: 16 to 30 November 2026
Apply
Click here for more information about the 2025 participants.
NATi Rising Stars
This drama text development project aims to refine young playwrights’ theatre scripts to be showcased. After a focused mentorship programme offered at Paulet House, the developed texts will be performed at the following year’s Suidooster Festival. Young playwrights are given the exceptional opportunity to both enhance their writing skills and gain experience in the production process. The NATi Young Stars project is presented by the Jakes Gerwel Foundation, in partnership with Suidoosterfees and Artscape, with the support of NATi (National Theatre Initiative).
Dates for 2026
- Closing date: 27 March 2026
- Announcement: 15 May 2026
- Residency: 22 June to 12 July 2026
Apply
Click here for more information about the 2025 participants.
PEN it Down
PEN is an international organisation that protects and promotes writers’ rights worldwide. With the PEN it Down residency, the Jakes Gerwel Foundation, PEN Afrikaans, and PEN South Africa invite writers and poets with valid PEN memberships to apply for this writers’ residency, which guarantees uninterrupted writing time in the creative and inspiring space of Paulet House. Each year, PEN writers from elsewhere are also welcomed in KwaNojoli, contributing to the unique dynamics of the group of writers under one roof.
Dates for 2026
- Closing date: 30 January 2026
- Announcement: 27 February 2026
- Residency: 20 April to 10 May 2026
Apply
Click here for more information about the 2025 participants.
Second Book Writers’ Residency
Debut writers often struggle to work on their second manuscripts – especially if the debut has been well received. Therefore, the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and the Jannie Mouton Foundation’s Oude Leeskamer in Stellenbosch are collaborating to provide debut writers the opportunity for further mentorship and to write their second books.
Second book writers are invited to send their proposal for a second book to Theo Kemp (theo@jgf.org.za) to be considered for this residency in future.
Apply
The writers who were chosen to participate in this residency in 2025 are Deidre Jantjies, Miriam Telanie and Sihle Qwabe.
Past participants: