By Katlego Rammusa:
There’s something about the rustle of turning pages, the scent of fresh ink, and the gentle buzz of readers gathering around a story that speaks to them and the content that is relatable. Some days are not forgettable as I was pondering upon a time on the 27th of May 2025, when I opened a book store in a township, which is very rare as some mainstream book stores have failed dismally doing business in townships.
Some people thought I was going to fail as well; however, guess what? I am still in business even today. I give all the glory to Jesus. On the day of the opening, the magic was alive and well in the heart of Atteridgeville, where I held a warm and intimate book signing at Ant Thou Sluggard Book Store nestled in Nkomo Village Mall.
Most people get confused by this name, ‘Ant Thou Sluggard’. However, this is a Bible verse from Proverbs 6:6: “Go to an ANT THOU SLUGGARD, consider her ways and be wise” from which this company name was derived. The name was given to me by my late mother, Pastor Amelia Rammusa.
On that grand opening, it was one of those crisp autumn evenings that make you want to linger over coffee and conversation, and that’s exactly what unfolded. My pen is as powerful as their presence, greeted readers with humility and passion, the kind that reminds you why we still show up in person, despite the digital age.
The bookstore, one of the few remaining indie spaces still holding it down for the literary crowd, gave the event a further push, displaying the book prominently and championing me as a local voice to watch. And indeed, they are.
This is at a time when algorithms and scrolls dictate so much of how we experience art. As much as the world moves fast, moments like these slow it down just enough to remind us of the joy of reading and the people behind the pages.
This is not just a bookstore. It is a chapter in a bigger story, one of community, connection, and the power of showing up to read. Our people are often labelled as ignorant or lazy to read. However, I have a different view. I would say they do read for an end goal, for example, reading to get that certification. On the other side of the spectrum, I would say they are aliterate, meaning they are educated; however, they choose not to read.
With this bookstore as a community educator, I am creating an opportunity for the community to engage with literature, expand their knowledge and transform their lives. I holistically believe that people should learn, grow and thrive.
With eleven books published under my name, including “Born Poor But Rich in Mind “, “Understanding the Purpose for Your Life ” and “Motswako The Beginnings “. I have long been a champion of knowledge and self-improvement; however, as an author, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that local authors face in getting their books into the mainstream bookshops.
More than just a bookstore, this space serves as a platform for aspiring authors, emerging and established. Offering fair distribution contracts that make economic sense, this means local talent is given the visibility it deserves without the bureaucratic systems imposed by the mainstream book stores.
Located upstairs at Nkomo Village Mall, the book shop acts as a centre for economic inclusion, empowerment and knowledge. We feature numerous publications, more especially published by regional authors. So I keep it local as much as possible for it to be relatable with our people. Ant Thou Sluggard Book Store is a home for discerning readers; it celebrates and preserves Indigenous voices, stories, and knowledge. We specialize in books by indigenous authors, storytellers, scholars and catering for people looking for an authentic voice.
To keep the bookstore alive, we host monthly book launches, I do have a book club and I don’t just launch my books; I invite other literary giants. As I have recently hosted Prof Sabata Mokae, author of the ‘Lefatshe kela Badimo‘ book and this was his review in the space after his launch.
Mokae later said: “On Thursday evening, we had a beautiful book event at Nkomo Village Mall in Atteridgeville, Tshwane. I hope my fellow writers will also have book launches at The Ark. It’s a dream venue. Inside The Ark, there is a bar, locally designed clothes, paintings, nail bar, health products, books, etc. All by local (as in Atteridgeville/Pheli) entrepreneurs. I thank my dear brother, Katlego Rammusa, for organising the Thursday event. Le kamoso, Nkgonne.”
Another extraordinary author I hosted was Ntate Oupa Segalwe, the author of ‘Lucas Mangope: A Life‘, which is a biography of the former President of Bophuthatswana Kgosi Lucas Manyane Mangope. Segalwe said about the book: “There is nothing as fulfilling as discussing a story with people who have read it. The Ark, Nkomo Village, Pheli. Take me back, please! I will honour your book club’s invite in a heartbeat”
Final Thoughts
Ant Thou Sluggard Book Store is not just a commercial endeavour, it’s a cultural revolution. It seeks to redefine the reading landscape in South Africa, ensuring that knowledge is not a privilege but a right for all. I am not just building moments, but movements that reshape township literacy and empower generations to come. –@NewsSA_Online
Follow us on our social media platforms below: