In a city that’s constantly on the move, it’s refreshing to stumble across an event that encourages you to simply slow down. Recently, I attended a Gin & Poetry afternoon at a village along Kenilworth in Newlands, where guests were invited to experience three different varieties of gin, each paired with its own specially selected poem. Aptly described as “gin-infused poems.”

The relaxed setting made it easy to strike up conversations or simply sit back and enjoy the afternoon. Following the tasting was a reading hour hosted by the Silent Book Club, a wonderfully unconventional take on the traditional book club. Instead of everyone reading the same book, members simply bring along whatever they’re currently reading. Together, they spend an hour reading quietly before putting their books down to chat, share recommendations, and connect with fellow book lovers.

It’s such a simple idea, yet it feels incredibly relevant today. We live in a world where our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. Endless notifications, short-form videos, and the habit of doomscrolling through social media have made it increasingly difficult to sit with a book for any meaningful length of time. Perhaps what many of us need isn’t more motivation, but the right environment.

That dedicated hour of uninterrupted reading could be the push you need to entice you back into a reading habit, or even to start one for the very first time. If you’re inspired to pick up a book, why not visit the Bambazonke offices?

We have several bookcases filled with once-read novels that anyone is welcome to browse and swap. And if you don’t have a book to exchange just yet, don’t worry, we’re happy to give you a couple to start your reading journey. Pop into our offices on any weekday and see what treasures you might discover. Your next favourite book could be waiting on our shelves.