The Bessie Head Short Story Awards, also known as the Bessie Head Literature Awards from 2007 to 2013, is a literary award in Botswana. It was created in 2007 and is managed by the Bessie Head Heritage Trust. This trust was formed in June 2007 to honor the life and work of Bessie Head. The purpose of the award is to protect Bessie Head’s legacy in Botswana and to support the growth of Botswana’s literature in different English-language genres.

Between 2007 and 2013, the awards recognized the best novel, short story, poetry, and children’s story. Poetry and children’s story awards were given every two years, while novel and short story awards were given each year.

Starting in 2015, the award’s focus changed to only recognize short stories.

History

In 2012, it was announced that there would be no awards given for that year. The reasons included the loss of financial support from Pentagon Publishers and the inability to manage the large number of entries received. Officials stated, "We plan to restart the Literature Awards as soon as possible, ideally in 2013."