"Die beste sussie vir 'n babadraak" wins 2026 SA National Arts and Culture Award!
Created September 06, 2026 by Elizabeth Sparg Illustration
6 Sep 2026
We could say this: Congratulations to Fanie Viljoen on winning the 2026 National Arts and Culture Award for Outstanding Children’s Fiction for his book Die Beste Sussie vir ’n Baba Draak.
In his acceptance speech it was really lovely to see that SCBWI SA’s illustrator member, Robert Dersley was acknowledged as contributing to the books success. Congratulations Robert. We are very proud of you.
Robert says: "I had such a wonderful time illustrating Die Beste Sussie vir ’n Baba Draak, written by Fanie Viljoen and published by Penguin Random House South Africa.
It was one of those projects where the creativity just seemed to bounce back and forth, and I really loved the feeling of building the world of the story together. Bringing Fanie’s words to life through the illustrations was a real pleasure, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
I’m especially excited that there’s a second book on the way — I can’t wait to see where this little dragon adventure takes us next!”
SCBWI SA illustrator, Robert Dersley, who illustrated the cover and interior.