Books are changing this family’s fortune

“A good bookshop is not just about selling books from shelves, but reaching out into the world and making a difference.” – David Almond.

This is what the Rwambi family does when they sell books in the hope of making a difference for you and them.

The family sells books for a living on a sidewalk on O’Reilly Merry Street (in front of the netball courts).

David (27) and his wife Miseka ‘Asanda’ (20), with their two daughters, Refiloe (4) and Mpho (1), set up shop under a make-shift gazebo to sell second-hand books, DVDs and CDs to make a living.

Asanda explained their lives spiralled downward when they lost their twins in 2019.

“Our twins were born six months premature. It was really hard for us to move on, their passing affected us a lot.

We struggled to move on because we blamed ourselves and questioned God’s intentions.

“But then God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters and we had to be strong for them,” she said.

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The couple used to go door to door, asking for work. Then one day, at one of the houses they visited, they noticed a box of books outside and asked the owner if they could have them.

“We took the books home, went through them and asked God to make a way. That’s when the idea of the book stall came about,” said David.

“In everything that we do we put God first. He has always showed us his greatness, even during difficult times.”

They sell a variety of books, such as fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, from as little as R10.

The books they sell are donated by community members.

The Northmead residents said when they started the business they would sometimes only make R10 a day.

“However, by the grace of God we didn’t give up. One day, one of our customers took a photo of us and posted it on social media and that’s when we saw things change, with customers steadily increasing,” said Asanda.

“We are thankful for the support we received from the community, as we are able to put food on the table for our children.”

David said their dream is to start a NPO to help bring others closer to God.

“We are in a process of registering the NPO, which will be called Life Changes because we want to bring change in our society and preach the Word of God.

“I have daughters and with everything happening in this world, I fear for them. I would do anything to protect them at all times,” he said.

“As a man, I can’t sit back and let my family suffer. I want to build a legacy for my children and be a better leader.

I grew up without a father, so I want to make sure I do the best I can for my children.”

David lived at Kids Haven for seven years before he met his wife.

The pair are also up-and-coming musicians and David is also a producer and motivational speaker.

Every day, the family has to pack all the books, shelves, chairs and gazebo into a trolley they push to where they live in 12th Avenue.

The family would appreciate anyone who can donate a bigger trolley for them, clothes, food and an alternative place to live.

To assist them, visit their stall from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, call them on 074 655 7024 or email kiingdavid9@gmail.com

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