Xhosa book inspires young Middledrift learners

Middledrift author Nosipho Gibe reads her book, Ubomi Nguqulukubhode (Life has its ups and downs), to motivate learners not to give up in life and school. Photo: Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik

Nosipho Precious Gibe from Gugulethu, Middledrift, has made it her life’s mission to encourage young girls in rural Eastern Cape villages not to give up on their dreams despite challenging circumstances.

She has been visiting primary and high schools to share lessons from her book, Ubomi Nguqulukubhode (Life has its ups and downs), which draws on her experience of growing up in poverty and being raised by various relatives.

“This book is here to motivate young people not to let the difficult situations they face determine their future,” she said.

Gibe, now 76, published her first book at 65. She was inspired by a pregnant 14-year-old girl in her community, who reminded her of her own mother who had her at 15.

Gibe was raised to believe that her mother was her older sister. Because her family was poor, she said she was forced to live with various relatives. She left school after standard six (grade 8) to find work and help support her family.

At 42, she decided to return to school. Gibe said she pleaded with the principal at an adult education school. He was reluctant due to her age, but gave her a two-month probation period.

“I passed matric, and that helped me find a better job,” she said.

Last month, GroundUp joined Gibe as she read extracts of her book to learners at Tom Place Primary School in Middledrift.

Before opening her book, she asked learners who among them were being raised by both parents. Only a handful raised their hands.

Gibe told them her story and encouraged them to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

“Some [people] coped well, while others longed for a relationship with an absent father and faced rejection when they tried to reach out,” she told GroundUp.

A 14-year-old learner read part of the book aloud to his peers.

He told GroundUp it was encouraging to see Gibe pursuing her passion despite her age. He said the book also helped him think about the challenges that parents faced.

“The lessons were for us, but we will take them to our parents and encourage them not to give up in life,” he said.

Gibe is currently writing a sequel.

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