In an editorial note for the first PEN volume of new writing, published by Purnell & Sons in 1964, I said this:
‘PEN is not necessarily looking for new literary forms but we are looking for new writers whose work is sincere. Any creative piece which is original and lively, which has about it the stamp of individuality, has also a permanent integrity of its own. Even in harsh light sincere work of quality can stand without shame. Written at a particular time, reflecting a particular mood, betraying a fear or touching on a permanent truth, each piece lives alone.’
Each literary piece lives alone, just as each book lives alone. Many authors whose work was published in our PEN series have gone on to publish their own titles. At least one has signed a three-novel contract with leading global publishers so that her future work will appear simultaneously in Europe and in America. It is also a pleasure to record that author Kyne Nislev Bernstorff has had her stories published in all five of PEN’s recent anthologies. All stories are assessed anonymously and no reader or Editorial Board member knows the identity of any author. Likewise, the scripts are numbered for final judge John Coetzee but are without names. Kyne Nislev Bernstorff’s creative writing has been selected every time because of its literary quality.
Books have been an important part of my own life and I deeply respect the main objectives of International PEN – to defend freedom of expression and encourage literature. I became a member of PEN after my first novel was banned by the apartheid government in 1958. As a young writer, I was censored by central authority and I am still wary of all those who wish to control individual writers. I strongly object to the unconstitutional purpose of those in South Africa who draft a Protection of Information Bill and propose a Media Tribunal to control the press. I support those who fight for writers imprisoned for their words.
We should all be deeply grateful to International PEN, the American PEN Centre, and the Writers in Prison Committee for taking up the case of Liu Xiaobo, President of Independent Chinese PEN, who has been locked up for 11 years for criticising central authority. His Nobel Laureate Chair is empty today because his ‘Charter 08’, so dangerous to the government of China, and to many other governments of the world, suggested simply that his country should uphold ‘freedom of speech, freedom of the press and academic freedom’.
Young creative African writers of today can also reject efforts to control thought and expression and hasten a permanent age of intellectual freedom, already started in South Africa. Where people are free, literature and creativity thrive.
I would like to thank those individuals in private-sector companies who have believed in SA PEN’s aims and have supported SA PEN financially over the years. I also want to pay tribute to two outstanding individuals who have recognised the vital need to encourage creative writers in Africa.
John Coetzee has willingly helped SA PEN by selecting Literary Award winners for five PEN anthologies. John is a Vice President of our parent body, International PEN, and an Honorary member of SA PEN. As a Nobel Laureate for Literature his encouragement is very important to this whole project. I would like to thank John most sincerely for the time and attention he continues to give to South African PEN.
John Studzinski CBE was instrumental in urging HSBC Bank plc to support our earlier HSBC/PEN series, and he now offers the annual £10 000 prize for the PEN/STUDZINSKI Literary Award. John’s Genesis Foundation has the admirable objective of ‘nurturing emerging talent in the arts’ and I would also like to thank him with warm appreciation for supporting our similar purpose.
PEN works to uphold freedom of expression and to encourage literature. I invite you to read these compelling stories out of southern Africa.
Anthony Fleischer
President SA PEN