Lumkile's Book Joint in Gugulethu inspires students
Lumkile Mzukwa has inspired learners after he converted his garage into an informal library and community space.
When we see South Africans use what they have to create positive and uplifting projects, we get excited and filled with hope for a brighter future.
Lumkile Mzukwa, a visionary (what we call him), turned his garage into an informal library. He opened the Book Joint as a way of freeing the minds of black children in April 2020, News24 reports.
Mzukwa said his "objective is to empower and encourage community members to read". We have to say, this is a dying facet in our communities, with the growing online community, many people don't make time to experience the depth and authenticism that comes with reading an actual book. The feel of the pages, the smell of the pages, the history that you're holding in your hands, the words printed into reality. It's an experience that not many fully appreciate.
"From a young age some of the things that were fascinating to my peers didn't attract me. When my friends were playing soccer or discussing it I would keep quiet. I always see things differently." Lumkile said.
The Grade 12 isiXhosa Class from the Camps Bay High School took a visit to Lumkile's Book Joint and had the opportunity to meet Lumkile in person. They were left inspired by him and his vision.
That certainly feels like a moment when someone with such a vision comes full circle.
"The first book he bought was 'Black Resistance to Apartheid' at Cafda bookshop in Claremont, way back in 1991. Today, he has more than 2000 books in his book joint. He explained that he finds that books aid emotional and mental growth, sharpen our memory and make you conscious." (GoodThingsGuys.com)
A report written by one of the students revealed some insight into their visit. Ayabulela Gongo said that "Lumkile encouraged them to understand the value of their language and that they should give themselves time to read isiXhosa books and familiarise themselves with the Xhosa heritage. He told us that we ought to express ourselves in what we have and what we have learned."
We commend Lumkile and his efforts to bring his vision and objective to life. We hope that more community initiatives such as his are brought to light so that we can share their initiatives.
Image Courtesy of Twitter
