Growing up in Philippi, Cape Town, Asemahle Wulana understood from an early age the challenges that come with living in under-resourced communities. Now, as a proud graduate of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), he is using his education and passion for social justice to change the narrative for learners in his ancestral home of Tsomo in the Eastern Cape.
Wulana began his academic journey at UWC in 2015, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Political Science and History. “These subjects greatly shaped my understanding of social dynamics and activism,” he explains. Later, he went on to study Social Development, driven by a desire to be a catalyst for change. “My experiences growing up in a township and witnessing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities showed me the importance of social development in addressing these challenges.”
Today, that drive has taken root in a deeply personal initiative: the Ndema Book Drive, which aims to establish a functioning library at Ndema High School, located in Luxomo Village, Tsomo. The motivation, he said, was born from his love of reading, his academic background, and a sentimental connection. “My parents met at Ndema High. So while I joke that I was ‘conceived in its corridors’, the truth is, I feel a strong bond with the school and the community it serves.”
The book drive, which has just launched, does not have a fixed end date. Instead, Asemahle envisions an evolving project focused on collecting gently used books, library equipment, and other non-monetary support to build a sustainable mini-library. “We want this library to be more than a school resource; it should be a community hub that fosters a culture of reading and lifelong learning.”
Asemahle did not attend Ndema High School himself, but his mother was a proud alumna. This family connection has strengthened his resolve to give back. “I’m passionate about serving the community, and I’d love to continue these book drives to establish more libraries in villages. It’s a dream of mine to see every village equipped with a library.”
Community response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Former lecturers, including Dr Momoti from UWC’s Library and Information Science department, have stepped up to support the initiative. Asemahle’s brief time in the Library and Information Science postgraduate programme, though unfinished due to personal challenges, has nonetheless equipped him with key knowledge in organising and developing such a resource.
While connectivity and data access have posed occasional hurdles, Asemahle remains undeterred. “The biggest challenge so far has been intermittent internet access. But the momentum and goodwill behind the project continue to grow.”
His time at UWC and particularly his involvement in the #FeesMustFall movement, left a lasting imprint on his values. “It taught me to lead with purpose, to serve others, and to use my education to uplift my community. That spirit of activism and responsibility lives on in this project.”
He believes institutions like UWC and their alumni networks have a powerful role to play in driving rural development. “Support can come in many forms: sharing knowledge, making connections, and amplifying grassroots efforts like this one. UWC’s legacy of social responsibility is something we can all carry forward.”
Fellow alumni and members of the public are encouraged to contribute by donating books, spreading the word, or partnering on the project. “We’re not asking for money,” said Asemahle. “We’re asking for stories, for shared learning, and for resources that can shape lives.”
Asemahle hopes this is only the beginning. “I want to build a sustainable library that inspires the youth and strengthens the community. Eventually, I’d love to expand the initiative to reach more rural schools and foster a ripple effect of change. My goal is simple: empower young people to dream, learn, and lead — right where they are.”
To support the Ndema Book Drive, contact Asemahle Wulana directly at 060 826 2156 or follow the initiative via UWC Alumni updates.
