Imbali is the Zulu word for flower – and it is a name that speaks to both the heart of ROSA and the spirit of what we celebrate. The word is used poetically and symbolically across South African culture, and is also seen in place names that carry the meaning “place of flowers.” It is a fitting tribute to stories that bloom from human creativity, emotional truth, and the enduring power of love.

The Imbali Award is ROSA’s most prestigious annual literary honour, recognising excellence in romance writing by South African authors. The award is open to all South African published authors. Every entry must be an original work of romantic fiction — meaning the story must contain a central love story, with a resolution that is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.

The Imbali Award welcomes submissions in English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa, reflecting ROSA’s commitment to celebrating the full breadth of South African storytelling. Winners are announced at the ROSA Annual Awards Ceremony, and where sufficient entries are received, separate awards are presented to English and Afrikaans winners.

Alongside the Imbali Award, ROSA presents the Debut Author Award, open to first-time authors, for works of between 25 000 and 60 000 words, in both English and Afrikaans.

ROSA holds firmly to the belief that romance fiction must remain rooted in authentic human experience. AI-generated content is prohibited in all submissions — because the core of a great romance novel lies in human creativity, emotional resonance, and original storytelling.

If you are entering as a ROSA member, kindly ensure your 2025/2026 membership is paid in full before submission of your entry.
THE IMBALI AWARD is open to all South African published authors. We currently have judges for English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa.

THE ROSA DEBUT AUTHOR AWARD is for a story between 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) and 60 000 (sixty thousand) words. Submissions will be accepted in both English and Afrikaans. This is for A FIRST TIME AUTHOR in 2025. read more