In 1989, I co-founded Makana Poets with Sello Hlasa, Michael Masuku and Mojalefa Mokgampane. It grew into Makana Arts Commune in the 90’s with the involvement of Makoena Mohlabane, Bereng Ramoliki, Spirit Molefi and others. PP: Which poets have inspired you and what about their work resonated with you? Bofelo: In South Africa it was the works of poets who at that time mainly articulated the message of Black Consciousness - Mafika Gwala, James Mathews, Mongane Wally Serote, Sipho Sepamla, Ingoapele Madingoane and Don Mattera. They inspired me a lot. Later, I developed a relationship with the Botsotso Jesters (Allan Horwitz, the late Isabelle Motadinyane, Anna Varney, Siphiwe ka Ngwenya and Ike Muila) through whose publishing collective, Botsotso Publishing, I had my poetry published for the first time. My work appeared in the anthology called 5, with Gillian Schutte, Lionel Murcott, Kobus Moolman and Clinton du Plessis their work also resonated with me in different ways. Kobus Moolman in particular stands out for me. PP: Your writing has a strong political edge to it, what came first political awareness or the love of
poetry?
Bofelo: The poetry and the political awareness came to me simultaneously. The reality of being black in the world and the reality of working class life assaulted me from the minute
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