Kgafela oa Magogodi represents a new breed of young, talented black South Africans who use irreverent language and poetry-driven social commentary as part of “combat literature” aimed at provoking debate and conversation.
His use of language is unique and manipulated artistically to create engaging and hard-hitting critiques of the challenges facing the country.
Magogodi’s first offering was a book titled Thy Condom Come, which contained language some might consider inappropriate or provocative. This was followed by I Mike What I like.
He has also directed experimental stage plays such as Itchy City, War, Soil, Bread and Blood, which he created based on workshops with drama students. Magogodi draws inspiration from Lefifi Tladi, Ayi Kwei Armah, Dambudzo Marechera and Lesego Rampolokeng.
How old are you?
Thirty-nine.
How do you earn your living?
I work for Kgafela Productions.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Meadowlands, Soweto, Montshiwa, Mafikeng and Braamfontein.
Which schools (primary and secondary) and university did you attend?
Tshimologo Primary School (1974-1977), Maponyane Higher Primary (1979-1980), Mmabatho High School (1981-1986), Fuba (1988-1989), Khanya College (1993), Wits ÂUniversity (1994-1999).
Did you have a favourite teacher/s?
It is not easy to think of a favourite teacher because for me primary school was about survival. We spent more time devising methods to avoid the dreaded sjambok (such as padding our buttocks with cloth). Most teachers held tyrannical views about discipline and never hesitated to use a sjambok.
But I would single out Mistress Pooe as my favourite teacher. She was sweet. Her cane never reached me. But I could not escape encounters with the whips of other slavedrivers and sjambok-wielding teachers.
It was only later, at Wits, far beyond the reach of sjambok maniacs, that one could easily identify who one’s favourite teachers were. These were Bheki Peterson, Adera Ogude, Isabel Hofmeyr, [the late] Phaswane Mpe and Odiambo Ojwang, all of the African literature department – they were great.
Do you still have contact with them?
Yes I keep contact, where I can.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
I loved stories and their telling and these usually came via language studies. At primary school I used to improvise folk stories told by my late cousin Morwane and my aunt Mangwane Dineo (whose tales were mostly about witches and their craft). My love for stories translated into a love for languages, literature and history when I was at high school.
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
One who questions the folly of things and does not just translate the school curriculum religiously or instruct learners to follow the script fanatically.
What are the things a teacher should never do/say?
Please do not tempt me to police the tongues and the deeds of the teachers.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
Teach truthfully.