AUTHOR and police officer Dimakatso Mokwena said winning the Sello Duiker Literary Award made him want to inspire others.
The awards took place in Potchefstroom, North West on Tuesday, 7 November.
The 38-year-old told Daily Sun that his book, Here Comes the Gay King, made him proud.
The author from Tzaneen in Limpopo said he wants to inspire others to use their gifts or talents.
"My queer novel, Here Comes the Gay King, was awarded the K Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award at the South African Literary Awards (SALAs). This is a reaffirmation that I'm on the right track in my literary journey, especially because this is my debut novel," he said.
"Not every literary debutant walks away with a literary award. All the sleepless nights I spent putting together the manuscript paid off."
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The author said writing a good quality novel is a difficult task and a lonely journey which required him to flex his skills.
"I did exactly just that with so much grace, even if I must say so myself," he said.
Dimakatso said it's great to be counted among South Africa's best authors, adding that it proves that the sky is the limit if you work hard and put in the work.
"Here Comes the Gay King is received relatively well locally. Copies are available on Takealot and signed copies directly from me," he said.
Dimakatso said people from abroad have also received the book well.
"It's a typical South African story that can be enjoyed by people of all sexual identities. It's all about openness," he said.
