In a heartwarming tale of turning passion into action, Ayabulela Nofemele, a 22-year-old book lover from Cape Town, is revolutionizing the way people access books in marginalized areas. The entrepreneurial spirit took hold when Ayabulela noticed the scarcity of bookstores in black communities, juxtaposed with the abundance of liquor stores. He decided to take matters into his own hands and sell books at an affordable price.
For two years, Ayabulela has been selling books on weekends at Thembokhwezi Square in Mandalay, offering a vast array of titles for R45 to R85, with none exceeding R100. His initial inventory of 10 books has grown exponentially, catering to a diverse range of tastes.
Ayabulela's journey began with a dream to build a personal library at home. However, his passion for reading led him to realize the potential impact he could have by making books accessible to those who need them most. He aims to encourage people, particularly the youth, to participate in activities like reading, debating, and discussing social issues.
The entrepreneur's customers are predominantly women, though men also show interest, often opting for self-help and self-development books. Ayabulela's own preferences lie with political and philosophical texts, as well as those detailing historical African events.
"I am grateful for the support I receive from the community members," he says, emphasizing the psychological benefits, critical thinking skills, and access to knowledge that reading provides.
Ayabulela's ambitious plans extend beyond his street-side stall. He dreams of opening physical and digital bookstores nationwide, spreading his mission to make books more accessible and foster a love of reading across South Africa. Thanks to his dedication and passion, Ayabulela is already making a positive impact on his community, one book at a time.
For two years, Ayabulela has been selling books on weekends at Thembokhwezi Square in Mandalay, offering a vast array of titles for R45 to R85, with none exceeding R100. His initial inventory of 10 books has grown exponentially, catering to a diverse range of tastes.
Ayabulela's journey began with a dream to build a personal library at home. However, his passion for reading led him to realize the potential impact he could have by making books accessible to those who need them most. He aims to encourage people, particularly the youth, to participate in activities like reading, debating, and discussing social issues.
The entrepreneur's customers are predominantly women, though men also show interest, often opting for self-help and self-development books. Ayabulela's own preferences lie with political and philosophical texts, as well as those detailing historical African events.
"I am grateful for the support I receive from the community members," he says, emphasizing the psychological benefits, critical thinking skills, and access to knowledge that reading provides.
Ayabulela's ambitious plans extend beyond his street-side stall. He dreams of opening physical and digital bookstores nationwide, spreading his mission to make books more accessible and foster a love of reading across South Africa. Thanks to his dedication and passion, Ayabulela is already making a positive impact on his community, one book at a time.
