South Africa is one of the most economically stable countries in Africa and its education sector has contributed a lot towards the growth. South Africa has produced a lot of writers who have gained prominence and recognition worldwide and it is also home to one of the most renowned authors in the world and two Nobel laureates for literature. However, out of the many talented writers, some have distinguished themselves through works that have amazed everyone and left the entire world in awe of their uniqueness. Some of the best South African writers are outlined below; these are the 10 who have gained prominence over all the others both at home and outside the country. Lets start from number 10.

10. Breyten Breytenbach


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9. Lauren Beukes



8. Damon Galgut


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The Globe and Mail

7. Achmat Dangor



6. Antje Krog

Born in 1952 into a family of Afrikaner writers, Antje first wrote a famous poem for her school magazine which was clearly anti-apartheid and managed to scandalize her own Afrikaans- speaking community. She is famously known for her books Country of my Skull and A Change of Tongue. Her works mostly speak about the struggles and politics of the country and are interesting to read.

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African Success

5. Andre Brink

This is one white South African writer who is known for his candidness in his literary works as he condemns the actions of Nelson Mandela’s successors in the ANC. He openly criticizes the state of South African society and further discusses the sexual and religious topics in a very open way. His works are very interesting to read and very effective eye-openers for anyone blind to the faults of society.


4. Njabulo Ndebele

This is one author whose novels discuss the way forward for a nation just from the peaks of apartheid and in search of freedom of expression politically and individually. He further depicts the state of poverty in the Cape Town townships and other post-apartheid problems through his writing. It is with good reason that he was awarded Africa’s most esteemed literary accolade, the Noma Award in 1984.

Prof Njabulo Ndebele reflects on his achievements during his inauguration as the new Chancellor - Sanlam Auditorium on Kingsway Campus
University of Johannesburg

3. Peter Abrahams

This 1919 born writer is known as one of the most prolific South African writers / authors and his works depict the racial practices done is South Africa against the South African blacks. His most famous novel Mine Boy clearly depicts the oppressive culture of a South African industrial city. He is a great writer and clearly deserves a mention in the top ten.


2. John M. Coetzee

This 2003 Nobel prize winner is also one internationally renowned writer from South Africa. In his writing, he has clearly pointed out the problems facing his country through the symbolic characters. Issues such as violence, politics, ownership and so on are explored in his writing. Some of his most known works are Waiting for the Barbarians, Disgrace and many others.

ROME, ITALY: South-African writer John M.Coetzee, award winner of Nobel Prize 2003 of Literature, poses for photographers in Rome, 22 June 2004 during a literature festival. AFP PHOTO/ Tiziana FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images)
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1. Nadine Gordimer

Born in South Africa in 1923, Nadine has inspired many through her literary works, and the Nobel Prize she was awarded in 1992 further shows how much her writing is valued. Having had ten novels and ten short stories under her name, this South African icon is also known for her anti-apartheid activism which is evident in the plots of her writing. She gets her inspiration from world-renowned writers such as Dostoevsky and Chekhov. She is no doubt one of the top 10 South African writers. 

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There are many more awe-inspiring South African writers, but the above ones really deserve to be on the top ten list.