Flaxman Qoopane

Moalosi Jacob Qoopane (1955–2017), also known as "Flaxman", was known as "the father of literature and arts" in Bloemfontein. Qoopane was a South African literary activist and internationally recognised author, poet, journalist and biographer.

Early life Qoopane was born in 1955 in Mangaung in the Free State. He spent most of his childhood as well as his career in the Free State. His interest for writing began at an early age.

Career Qoopane left for Tanzania and lived in exile from 1977 to 1992. Upon his return, he continued to write articles, essays, fictional stories and poetry. Flaxman Qoopane and Omoseye Bolaji soon became household names in Mangaung. Their popularity grew because their articles were frequently published in the Next magazine. Qoopane also contributed to a popular national daily newspaper, the Daily Sun and also Realtime magazine. Qoopane's work also appeared in publications such as Hola, Sowetan, Bona, Drum, A and E, Kopanaang and Free State News. He also developed the children's library in Hillside View in Rocklands. His journalism continued to develop during his time in exile and Qoopane was particularly successful in East Africa.