GQEBERHA– What started as a struggle to access books has grown into a fast‑developing digital literacy initiative aimed at empowering readers across disadvantaged communities. Meet Mzwamadoda Mvimbeli (33), founder and director of Dream City Projects raised in KwaZakhele township in Gqeberha. Having witnessed how many children and adults lacked access to books and digital platforms, he launched a free digital library in November 2016.
His vision was to create a space where anyone especially those from low‑income backgrounds could access a wide range of reading material at no cost.
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Cape Daily News Mvimbeli says the idea was also inspired by the challenges faced by young authors. “Many upcoming writers have to pay a percentage to big companies just to get their books on shelves. Dream City Projects wants to close that gap so that people can publish their work without charge, while children and adults can read books without paying any money,” he explained.
According to Mvimbeli, the platform is more than just a digital library. “It is also an entertainment platform, we don’t only focus on serious books. We have storytelling books for children, drama books and educational content,” he said.
Furthermore, Mvimbeli says Dream City Projects aims to grow beyond Gqeberha so that more communities can benefit from the service.
“We are planning to expand the company so that many towns can have access to our digital library. We also know that many young people are unemployed, so once we expand, we will be able to create job opportunities,” he added.
In addition Mvimbeli was motivated to start his business after seeing a college friend launching his own company at a young age.
“He taught me how to register a business and many other things. I realised that if he could own a business, why couldn’t I? That is when I started Dream City Projects,” he said.
His love for reading further strengthened his desire to create a digital library.
Dream City Projects is not the only initiative Mvimbeli runs. He also owns Threattricks Agency, a company that specialises in content creation, audiovisual production, documentaries, short films and music videos. He founded the agency to nurture the artistic talent he frequently sees in young people from Gqeberha.
“Many young people here are talented in acting, so I thought I must establish a company that will benefit the people of Gqeberha,” he said.
Mvimbeli emphasised that he is determined to see Dream City Projects grow to national and international levels. “I want to see Dream City Projects established in other provinces, and we want to work with international companies and studios. We see our company as a global company and we hope we will achieve that dream,” he said.
He encourages young people who want to start their own businesses to take their ideas seriously and do thorough research. “People must be curious about their work. They must research the business they want to start because many people begin with excitement, not knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the business. They must pay attention to the business they want to start and continue educating themselves, because nothing is more important than reading,” he advised.
Through Dream City Projects, Mvimbeli hopes to ensure that more people especially those who cannot afford to buy books can finally access the reading material they need “Many people will be able to have access to digital books, not just any books but the books they want to read,” he said.
Photographs: supplied
