MARY Mabuza was one of the biggest winners at this year's South African Literary Awards at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

Not only was Mabuza honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, she also walked away with the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award for her Xitsonga collection of 12 stories, Khuluka na Ritavi. The timeless collection deals with issues of human intrigue and jealousy.

The event, in its fifth year, was sponsored and hosted by wRrite Associates in partnership with the Gauteng department of arts and culture, Sowetan's Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation, Nutrend Publishers and the SA Broadcasting Corporation.

"I am overwhelmed," said Mabuza about her two awards.

"I have been writing for a long time and have received numerous awards but I have been patiently waiting to receive these two. I am excited that my day has finally come."

The 75-year-old writer from Tzaneen in Limpopo said she was not ready to retire yet.

"These awards say I have matured as a writer. I plan to have another book on book store shelves soon," she said.

Other Lifetime Achievement Award winners were Hennie Aucamp, Mandla Langa, Zakes Mda, Peter Horn, David Robbins and Marguerite Poland.

The Sala board honoured author Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi by conferring the Chairperson's Award on him.

Zodwa Motsa, chairperson of the Sala board, said: "Mqhayi was able to capture a moment in words in an incredible way. It is therefore a privilege to honour him with this award."

First-time Published Author Award winner, Kgebetli Moele, said the award reaffirmed that he was doing things right.

"It feels good to know that I am on the right track and that other people also recognise that. I am really excited and encouraged by this award," Moele said.