Ayabulela Nofemele, a 22-year-old book lover from Cape Town, decided to sell books on the street after meeting many people who love reading but don’t have easy access to bookstores.
“I always had a dream of building my personal library at home. However, I also had an opportunity to sell books at an affordable price for people in marginalised and impoverished areas,” he says.
Ayabulela sells books during weekends at Thembokhwezi Square in Mandalay from 10am to 5pm.
He aims to make books more accessible and encourage people, especially the youth, to take part in activities such as reading, debating, and discussing social issues.
Growing up with limited sports and recreation opportunities, Ayabulela joined a football team.
Afterwards, he followed many different dreams, including a skateboard hiring and fixing project. However, it generated slow revenue and less profit, so eventually, he started the book business because he had always loved reading.
Ayabulela has been selling books for two years to keep himself busy and make money. He noticed a lack of bookstores in the black community, while there were multiple stores selling alcohol.
He decided to sell books at an affordable price.
Ayabulela can be contacted on Facebook. His books cost R45 to R85, and none cost more than R100.
Ayabulela started with only 10 books, but now he has a more extensive selection. His dream is to open physical and digital bookstores nationwide.
His customers are mostly women, but men also buy books from him, and these are generally focused on self-development and self-help.
Ayabulela is “fond of political and philosophical books” and those dealing with historical African events.
“I am grateful for the support I receive from the community members. Reading offers psychological benefits, critical thinking skills, access to knowledge, and keeps people active,” he says.
Pictured above: Ayabulela Nofemele sells books on the street on weekends after encountering people who love books but lack access to bookstores.
Source: Supplied
