who is thabo mafike?
His inherent modesty and cultured mien almost belie the fact that he’s one of the pivotal figures in Free State Arts and culture. Thabo Mafike who hails from Bultfontein, continues to make great strides. Richenzo Richard of The Weekly spoke with him …
RICHENZO: You are one the outstanding arts and culture exponents in the Free State , yet many perceive you a sort of dark horse. Firstly, can you outline your general contributions?
THABO MAFIKE: Art and culture is me, it’s my life. It’s like asking me about my life. Way back in 1990 I started martial arts, I was in the then Free State team. I came in fourth in the South African karate tournament (1998) I have published many books as you well know. The motivation book I published inspires and serves as a fillip for even me! When I was at school I started an innovative drama group. The group actually churned out a karate film titled “Youth in corruption”. I wrote, directed and starred in that film. Since 1997 or so I have been composing music, including gospel. I started my own gospel group in 2000 while I was still working at BBT. Today I am a proud promoter of artists. I have supplied the public libraries with assorted CD’s.
RICHENZO: Let us go into some specifics of the books you have written and published.
MAFIKE: Oh Ntate! I am so proud of my books! My first book, about 164 pages is titled The Bo Bophelo. It is a drama book. My book of short stories is titled Motho ke Motho and is internationally recognized. I started it in 1998. I published Lefatshe la dihlooho with a grant from the CCP. I have also written a poetry book, Broken Heart. I have had my drama broadcast on radio, eg Ngwana ka Nkutlwe. I have already told you about the karate film I orchestrated. My book of Motivation is titled “Think big and succeed”
RICHENZO: You are also a publisher. Can you say something about this?
MAFIKE: Firstly, let me point out that getting a market for books is the most important thing and it is a serious problem especially in Africa . But I do publish and I am happy I discovered Mqozele, and my firm published his book of poems. I have published works of Marabane Matabane Tshabalala, a long standing educationist.
RICHENZO: Maybe you’d like to say something about your forays into music…
MAFIKE: I have been in the Church Choir for a long time, especially after I became born-again. At Radio BBT I helped young stars to open music groups. I have invested a lot in the music and sometimes faced lots of disappointment and betrayal from those I helped. I have under my stable now the likes of Tankiso and Sabulelo. I have finished the CD of Tankiso (Titled “Jesus be the centre”)
RICHENZO: You have won many awards thanks to arts and culture, haven’t you?
MAFIKE: (Smiling) There are many, Ntate! Where do I begin? A honorary Leadership certificate from International Assembly as the “best field reporter” (2000); Premier’s Youth Awards and Certificate; First prize in arts and culture; the Japan Karate Association (Diploma) in Martial Arts; SABC Community Builder of the Year (2005) Finalist; Mangaung Rose
October 26th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Its great to see this! Mr Mafike is not only a young, prolific writer, he is also honest. A good man
October 26th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
IT’s true that many tend to underestimate Mafike, a rather quiet man. Most call him a “sesotho writer” but he has published books in English too.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Well done, Mr Mafike. Now we need your photo to go with this piece. Don’t disappear for days on end as usual!
October 27th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
A very pleasant surprise. Will hand over the photo. Thanks. Up kagablog!
October 29th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
I remember the first time I met Mr Mafike over seven years ago. He was still quite young but already had a Sesotho manuscript provisionally accepted for publication by a major national publisher. Those who have luckily - or unluckily! - read the book, FREE STATE WRITERS TALKING will know that Mafike braved the hostility of so many (including teachers) to become an author and publisher.