MORE than 1000 books were sold on the Durban beachfront in just two weeks over the festive season as holiday makers flocked to the coastline. Homeless book vendors earned R20 000 in profits as part of the Denis Hurley Centre’s Street Lit project which aims to put books back on the streets and in the hands of people who really want to read but cannot necessarily afford new books.
Raymond Perrier, DHC director said the beachfront sales showed that there is a substantial market for books and that there are homeless people with great skills as booksellers.
“Just as everyone has the chance to enjoy the beach, everyone should have the chance to read on the beach,” he added.
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Book vendor, Richard Nzima who was overwhelmed by the support of the public, said he was sleeping on rough streets until the project transformed his life a few months ago.
“So many people came up to us to say what a great idea this was. One couple from Jo’burg asked us to come and start the project to help homeless people there,” he said.
Pat Khumalo, another book vendor was pleased with the First Aid training the team had been given by St John’s Medical Centre.
“I was twice able to step in and help someone who was knocked over by a bike,” he explained.
The project was effective because of the partnership between the DHC, local churches that donated books, the eThekwini municipality who granted the permits and corporate partners including Tsogo Sun who helped by providing storage and overnight security said DHC project co-ordinator, Stuart Talbot.
Also read: Festive shopping meets charity with Street Lit
“We hope to have a regular permit for several points along the beachfront. Thereafter the scope is to use our mobile book trolleys to have book sales all-round the city centre, at taxi ranks or in open areas. We have proven there is a thirst for good books at affordable prices – and we have given some homeless people a chance to turn their lives around,” he added.
By offering books at R10 or R20 each, Street Lit is making sure that Durban lives up to its accolade as a UNESCO City of Literature,” he said.
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