Artists submitted works based on the theme, a visual prose. They were asked to draw inspiration from literature to create work using any medium of their choice. 44 submissions were received and 23 works were selected by the KZNSA Exhibition Sub-committee through an anonymous adjudication process. This year’s independent judges; Tsosheletso Chidi, Russel Hlongwane and Sthenjwa Luthuli went on to select the top three artworks.

Prize money and the Joan Emanuel floating trophy are generously sponsored by the Key Foundation and the Joan Emmanuel Trust. Paul Emmanuel, the son of Joan Emmanuel, who was a longstanding member of the KZNSA presented the awards.

First place receives the Joan Emmanuel floating trophy, R20 000 and a solo exhibition at the KZNSA in 2025, the second place is awarded R10 000 and the third place, R5 000. A Merit Award, selected by the KZNSA Exhibition Sub-committee is given to a fourth work.

First place went to Jess Bothma for Mating Birds vs Sitting Ducks, a work composed of powder-coated steel, Perspex, resin and found objects. Robert Bolter came in second place with his painting, Kneeling Figure Planting. Third place went to Manelisi Sam Ginindza for his sculpture, Revived Resilience: Sculpting From Plastic Waste. The Merit Award went to Lumkile Mzayiya for his mixed media installation, Eclectic.