By Michelle Jones
Education Writer
A group of Khayelitsha pupils needed a peaceful place to work. The place they chose – Mpumie’s Place – a local shebeen.
Late last night, the pupils walked inside Mpumie’s Place and sat at tables vacated minutes before by more typical shebeen customers. The pupils, hungry for education, pulled books, calculators and pens from their bags.
Soon the six were involved in a lively discussion, each taking a turn to raise an issue, point at something in their physics books, and write on pieces of paper.
Inside the shebeen, tucked into a small side street in Khayelitsha’s E section, surrounded by adverts for spirits and beer, the group discussed definitions and formulas.
Every now and then a word was audible in the otherwise silent room – “current”, “charges”, “positive”, “negative”, “resistor” and “parallel”.
The Grade 11 Luhlaza High School pupils approached Mpumie Nxazonke, the owner of the shebeen, while they were preparing for their June exams.
Her daughter, Sikholiwe Nxazonke, said they had first tried to study at school in the afternoon, but had found it difficult to concentrate there.
She said it was not safe at the school and it was too noisy in the busy area, because of other pupils and passing cars.
Nxazonke said the group had decided they would rather study at night and had asked Mpumie whether they could use the shebeen.
Mpumie Nxazonke said: “They wanted to study for their June exams. They approached me and asked if they can use my place. There are tables and chairs and space.
“So I gave them a chance, and said they were free to come.”
The pupils unanimously said studying at the shebeen had helped them and allowed them to improve their results.
Asemahle Majola said she had been the last to join the group, but decided to do so after hearing from her friends how well it had worked.
“I was doing badly, so I knew I had to take action,” she said.
Majola said she was looking forward to her September exam results so she could see whether there had been an improvement.
The pupils meet at the shebeen every second night between 10pm and 3am – the hours they found worked best for them.
Nxazonke said they were also helping other pupils in their class by sharing what they had learnt during their evening study sessions.
The group said they were very excited to be in matric next year. They planned to continue studying at the shebeen, even when they were at university.
Mpumie said their parents had initially been concerned with their children spending time at a shebeen, but she had explained the situation to them.
Mpumie said it was important for the pupils to be able to study for their exams in a safe space, and she was happy to provide that space.
They got high (marks) in their June exams, so I am excited (about) what is happening to them.”
When the pupils arrive for their study sessions, customers are asked to leave, so they can work in peace.
“I told the customers ... I can’t chase away the kids. They were upset, but then they saw these girls coming in and out.”
Customers then banded together to raise funds to buy textbooks for the pupils. With their heads bent over their books, the pupils continued to study into the night and the early morning. - Cape Times