Dr Luke Stubbs and Barbara Basel

 

Dr Luke Stubbs

SPECIAL AWARD TO LUKE STUBBS

On March 18 2009, the English Academy of Southern Africa presented Rev Dr Luke Stubbs with a Special Award in recognition of his exceptional skills in translating South African literary works from Afrikaans to English. Special mention was made of his translation of the novel Trencherman by Eben Venter, which was published by Tafelburg/NB Publishers, Cape Town in 2008. Rev Dr Stubbs holds a Phd in Afrikaans Nederlands and a Master's in Theology from Oxford University.

In presenting this Special Award for Translation, the English Academy took account of the recommendations of a number of well known South African literary figures such as: “Luke Stubbs is a master practitioner of a literary craft that gets very little recognition.” Prof J. M. Coetzee, Nobel Laureate.

“Luke Stubbs translated two of my novels and always insisted on retaining the integrity of my Afrikaans turn of phrase.” Eben Venter, acclaimed novelist. “Luke’s translation –Trencherman - is something of a tour de force of inventiveness and ingenuity, while preserving the spirit of the original.” Michiel Heyns, winner of the 2007 English Academy Sol Plaatje award for translation.

“Luke’s translations are faithful and also fastidious, respectful of the original, yet also creative.” Dr Lynda Gilfillan, literary editor.

The award was made at the home of Rachelle Greeff, at a function hosted by Tafelburg/NB Publishers. The Rev Luke Stubbs, who regretfully is suffering from cancer, accepted the award in person. His wife. Helen, his sons and daughter-in-law were also in attendance. Before the presentation of the award, both Eben Venter, who now lives in Australia, and Michiel Heyns spoke about the quality of Luke's work. The President, Dr Barbara Basel then spoke on behalf of the English Academy of Southern Africa and presented Luke with his certificate. Finally, Luke made a brief but noteworthy acceptance speech.

Attendance figures to this Special Award Ceremony were restricted owning to the ill-health of the recipient and thus only Academy Council Members living in and around Cape Town were invited. However, all those who attended enjoyed the function.

Dr Barbara Basel
President, English Academy of Southern Africa

Annual English Academy Percy Baneshik Memorial Lecture delivered by Mark Lloyd

Mr Mark Lloyd delivered the annual English Academy Percy Baneshik Memorial Lecture on 21 March 2009. His topic was “‘We hold these truths to be self-evident…’ : A discussion of the communication of truth”.

Thomas Pringle Awards for 2008 presented

On 21 March 2009 two of the three English Academy Thomas Pringle Awards for 2008 were presented in Johannesburg.

The Thomas Pringle Award for reviews in newspapers and magazines went to Mary Corrigall for her reviews in the Sunday Independent.

The Thomas Pringle Award for short stories went to David Medalie for “'The Mistress's Dog”, published in New Contrast, vol. 34 no.6, December 2006, pp.45-52.

To read the acceptance speeches of the award winners, click here.