Scores of people converged at a newly established book joint in Gugulethu last week Friday 5 June to celebrate Youth Month. Among the people at the event were learners from various schools and ward councillors. The founder of Lumkile Book Joint, Lumkile Mzukwa described the book joint as the centre of activities. He said it was supposed to open on Monday 27 April but because of the lockdown, had to postpone it to Tuesday 16 June. Mzukwa converted his garage into a book joint not only as a place of study, but also to create a conducive place for engagement and sharing ideas.
“I spent 28 years collecting these books. All are my personal books. I bought them because I wanted to acquire knowledge but then I thought of finding a way to share them,” he said, adding that he currently doesn’t have time to read all of them.
Mzukwa said his mission is to change the poor perception that people have of the area by making it a place of learning and growth.
“There are good and brilliant people in Gugulethu but because some of them have nothing to do they ended up going to taverns. I want those people who lost their ways to come back. Here are the books to read and refresh their minds,” he said.
A Grade 12 learner from Fezeka High School, Palesa Pitso described the book joint as perfect place to relax. She said now they will have an alternate place to study if the local library is closed. “It will assist us on our studies especially when we doing research for our assignments. We really appreciate what Mzukwa has done for the community for allowing us to his space,” said Pitso.
Ward 41 councillor Sharon Manata described it as a first of its kind. She urged the community members to take care of it.
“I will donate two laptops or two computers for people to access internet. This is an exciting place.
“Our children and community at large will have a place to chill and study,” said Manata.
