Introducing the reading culture in Soweto

Ntombizodwa Buthelezi and Mpho Nkole have started their own book club to reignite the culture of reading in Soweto.

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“With this book club, we wanted to create an environment where all book lovers discover their sense of belonging. More especially in the township that classifies book lovers as nerds or trying to be white,” said Buthelezi.

The book club stands as a vehicle to drive out the narrative that township people do not read while turning reading into an act of pleasure for the human mind.

Buthelezi explains that, “We want reading to be fashionable again and not make it a chore where people are learning like they did at school.

“We wanted to create a reading culture whereby seeing a book makes you smile, the smell of a brand-new book nourishes your soul and we all get to cherish those feelings.”

The book club was formulated in 2020 to offer a space for young women to come together and share their sense of living through books. However, according to Buthelezi, having one perspective over book discussions inhibits a human mind from growing as well as being considerate of different opinions.

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“The thing about wanting to include both genders is about having honest opinions and moving away from assumptions. To create a space for men and women who have a common interest. The world is already dividing us,” Buthelezi explained.

Therefore, with the inclusion of both genders, rules will be instilled to ensure that individuals respect the significance of the book club as well as its members.

“We are working towards the same goal. Which is being knowledgeable and finding a family outside our own,” said Buthelezi.

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A book club is for everyone looking for a sister or a brother. It is for everyone who is willing to be there for their own and grow their reading capacity. For more information contact Ntombizodwa Buthelezi on 074 553 5882

Requirements for joining the book club

· A person who loves to read

· A person who can serve and have a giving heart

· A person who knows God

· People who are reliable, trustworthy and family oriented

· People who can commit and have good communication and listening skills