Introduction to Qoopane's major works

By P. Moroe

How do you judge Flaxman Qoopane as a writer? The question is perhaps unfair for someone who has published over ten books, though most of them are autobiographical and short. As one who has lived passionately for literature – and of course journalism – Qoopane deserves a lot of praise. Let us look at his books.

Qoopane’s first book is A POET ABROAD. Here we are given insights into his time abroad and overseas, from Lesotho to east Africa and stints ion western Europe. He grew as a poet and writer over the years and the eclectic influences he was exposed to shaped his broad minded personality.

In MEMOIRS OF A CULTURAL ACTIVIST Qoopane recollects many of his contributions to arts and culture. Important meetings and committees he belonged to, and his role over the years as Free state’s outstanding cultural activist. As the title of the book clearly shows, the book is too premature though as other of his works like THE CONFERENCE and MACUFE 2001 show

ADVENTURES IN JOURNALISM is one of the most interesting books penned by any local black journalist in the country. But alas the book is also dated, especially when you take into account Qoopane’s very recent fantastic contributions to journalism.


In RENEILOE MPHO’S STORY, Qoopane’s deep love for his youngest daughter shines through. It is a book mainly for the very young but marred at the very end with tragedy. And we all know a child of two cannot write a book!

O BOLAJI: PERSPECTIVES ON HIS LITERARY WORK is perhaps Qoopane’s best book. Here he has produced an objective critical work that does him great credit. He has not allowed the bonds of friendship to affect his critical skills, which is commendable.

It would have been very strange if a man largely recognized as a poet did not produce a book of poems, hence Qoopane’s THE VISION OF A POET is a welcome book. It shows the author has been producing fine poems for a very long time.

The CONFERENCE and MACUFE 2001 are small books that illustrate the authors contributions to arts and culture yet again. Whether such books are necessary or not, or should have been part of MEMOIRS OF A CULTURAL ACTIVIST is not the province of this piece.

Other books written by Qoopane include CITY OF ROSES AND LITERARY ICONS, THE CREST, and WOMEN OF TALENT. Qoopane has also published hundreds, perhaps thousands of articles in many newspapers, magazines and journals around the world. For his rather prodigious writings and great love for the world of literature Flaxman Qoopane deserves a lot of praise.