Good and books galore
NORSCOT – Jacques Velleman began the Fourways-based Business Book Club in 2017, which gives members of the public a chance to learn something new and meet like-minded people.
Norscot businessman Jacques Velleman started the Business Book Club as a way to help charities and also provide a space where like-minded people could meet and share ideas.
The club was founded in April 2017 and invites members of the public to meet once a month at different venues around the Fourways area. At these events, Velleman interviews a South African author about a book they have published recently before opening up the floor to the audience to ask questions and about 29 have taken place so far. The aim of the club is to get people sharing stories and knowledge with one another while also doing something to help the less fortunate.
“I always wanted to do something for charity, but I don’t like giving money,” Velleman told the Fourways Review. “I rather believe in the philosophy that we should teach a man to fish, not just give a man fish.
“I wanted to create a place where people could gather for free – there is no entrance fee, but rather [attendees] donate a book which we can then donate. We’ve provided about 1 000 books to the Signature Library in Soweto, and are always looking for other libraries to donate to.”
Past authors invited to the club include GG Alcock (who wrote KasiNomics), Sibusiso ‘DJ Sbu’ Leope (about his book Billionaires Under Construction), Ian Fuhr (who wrote The Soul of Sorbet about his well-known beauty brand) and Bonang Mohale (who wrote Lift as You Rise and who Velleman believes has been his favourite guest to date).
“I hope people who come to the book club leave with at least one thing that they didn’t know before, that’s really important to me. It’s also a great way to make friends.
“This club is for people who have an interest in learning. It’s a chance to listen to an author teach you something, and a place to make new friends.”
The club has also expanded into Cape Town, and even if you cannot make the actual event, podcasts of the discussion are available on the Business Book Club website. The next Business Book Club meeting will be hosted at 7pm on 23 July and will feature author Nthabi Taukobong discussing her book The Real Interior.
Details: www.thebusinessbookclub.org; jacques@thebusinessbookclub.org;
011 465 2990.
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