Let’s get to know Sewela

Sewela Langeni used to run marathons now she owns a Melville-based bookstore that runs circles around other bookstores.

Northcliff Melville Times got to know this businesswoman whose independent bookshop, Book Circle Capital, focuses on African Literature.

A lover of the great outdoors, Langeni enjoys spending time not being boxed in by four walls, “I used to be an ultra-marathon runner. I have had the pleasure of completing the comrade’s marathon four times.”
For her, running is the perfect way to clear her head and she quite enjoys the adrenaline rush through her body. Now though, you are most likely to find her in the streets running 5kms daily which is good enough for her.

As a child she had dreams of one day becoming an opera singer. “Growing up my mom sang in a choir that performed choral music and this made me fall in love with this type of music.” She added that she would watch singers such as Sibongile Khumalo and dream that one day it would be her commanding the stage with her musical talent. Life’s reality, however, led to her studying journalism and marketing.

For Langeni books have come to offer a great escape. Through them, she can travel to different worlds. “African literature specifically provides me with a rich knowledge of my country’s rich history and heritage. With every book I read, I feel confident and at home.” You will currently find her reading Milk the Beloved Country by Sihle Khumalo which she describes as a funny and witty take on South African history.

Melville served as the perfect suburb to open her bookshop as its cosmopolitan nature works very well for her business. She also appreciates that the shop is surrounded by a community of academics from Wits and UJ who enjoy the type of literature it stocks. There she met so many interesting people who are passionate about Africa and its stories. Many patrons that walk in have recommended books to stock which have done well in the shop.

Langeni has found the community to be very supportive. “Neighbours still care for one another. During lockdown, I had a lot of people reach out to me to find out how we were doing and how they can help. People bought vouchers and books to ensure that we stay afloat,” she said.

She has found people in this community to be friendly as she has a number of people who often stop by to say hi. “Like Shirley, who comes by when she walks her dog through 27 Boxes.”

Through the bookshop, she hopes to contribute towards the love of reading for pleasure, especially in children in the community. She feels the books they stock are about celebrating African stories. “With this, I hope to contribute towards helping us, as a community, understand each other better and work together towards building a better nation.”

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