Local author promotes culture of reading

Words and pictures … Flaxman Qopane wants every township child to experience the magic of reading.

Bloemfontein poet, journalist, writer, and literary activist Flaxman Qopane has embarked on a special mission. He is determined to promote the culture of reading in townships across the province.

Qopane uses his passion for reading to give children in his neighbourhood, Hillside View in Mangaung, a chance to acquire knowledge and offer them a gift of reading though the library he has established.

reading.
It is divided into four sections: a children’s library, adult books and magazines, an archive section, and a gallery of prominent South African writers.

There are some 200 files on South African writers, playwrights, poets, and musicians like Don Matera, Lebo Mashile, Credo Mutwa, Felicia Mabuza Suttle, and Hugh Masekela.

The shack in which the library is housed was donated by a businessman from Johannesburg through the Department of Education. It is stocked with approximately 10 000 books.

“The library is meant for everyone to learn more and expand their knowledge. It is about giving kids a second chance in life through self-education.”
According to Qopane, he is concerned about the levels of illiteracy in the country.

“The library is meant for everyone to learn more and expand their knowledge. It is about giving kids a second chance in life through self-education.”

“It is a pity that as black people in this country we do not have a culture of reading.

I think as writers we need more campaigns highlighting the importance of reading in our communities. We as writers and parents need to teach our young kids the importance of reading. My biggest hope is that young writers will emerge from this library. I have already spotted some.”

Initially, the project was a small collection of books for Qopane’s daughter, but he saw the need to expand it for the rest of the community.

The establishment is a good source of information for students doing research on literature and journalism and who want more knowledge about the written word.

“It pains me to see how South Africans know more about Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and William Shakespeare than they do about KPD Maphalla, one of the most respected poets and writers in the Free State.”
On the weekends, children have sessions where they discuss books they have read and do their school assignments.

Qopane has been conducting literature workshops in schools throughout the Free State for years and regularly conducts presentations at the Macufe Word Fest.

“The problem I came across was that when it comes to South African literature many of the learners, as well as teachers, do not really know anything about our pioneers in literature and our heritage,” said Qopane.

Qopane is also part of the Eclectic Writers Club where Free State writers such as Jah Rose, Serame Makhele, Omoseye Bolajias, and Hector Kunene meet to discuss books and exchange ideas.

A number of high-profile guests have paid the Qopane Library and Literary Gallery a visit in recent years. They include Simphiwe Dana, Gcina Mhlophe, Bongani Serote, as well as other writers in the province.
The library is always in need of more resources.