Trading

Introduction to Bookshops

CAFDA operates two bookshops as income-generating initiatives. One is situated in Cavendish Close, Warwick Street Claremont, the other in Regent Road, Sea Point. The bookshops are run by a group of committed volunteers supported by the Trading Manager and the Bookshop Assistants.

All books sold at our CAFDA Bookshops are made possible by the generous donations of ordinary people and institutions, to whom CAFDA is very appreciative. The books are sold at very affordable prices and you can be sure to find the rarest of gems and out-of-print books. The bookshops stock a variety of books and magazines which cater for most genres and categories. For many years, CAFDA bookshops have been a major source of income towards the sustainability of our organisation.

History of the Cafda Bookshops

In 1961 Cafda opened its first bookshop in Wynberg, managed by Mrs May Reynolds. She came up with the idea after noticing that the public were donating books, which up until that time, were being directed to schools, but most of them had to be recycled.

In its first year of operation, the bookshop raised over two thousand Rand for Cafda. All money raised would be invested in projects on the Cape Flats (e.g., Industrial Training Centre and School Feeding Association), as well as assisting with the organization's operating costs.

By 1970 the bookshop moved to Warwick Street, Claremont, and was now being run by 17 volunteers. During that decade Cafda opened a second bookshop in Three Anchor Bay, also run by volunteers, including Denise Mattocks. The income provided by the two bookshops covered various projects, such as the social work programme and pre-school care groups.

By the 1980s the Claremont bookshop had moved to Werdmuller Centre, managed by Angus Stewart, and then, much later by Lennie Smith. The other bookshop had moved to Sea Point, which would later be managed by a volunteer, John Stable.

Due to the dedicated staff of volunteers and the generous donations of books from the public, both bookshops achieved sales of One Million Rand for 2003.

Today the bookstores are managed by Michael Meiring. In 2009 the Claremont store moved back to Warwick Street. And in 2015 Cafda opened a 3rd bookstore in Fish Hoek on the Main Road.

FAQ Book Store

1What time do the bookshops open and close during the week?
From Mondays to Fridays 9:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays 9:00 to 13:30. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays
2What kind of books do you accept as donations, and can they be collected?
We appreciate donations of all books that are in a saleable condition, this includes magazines, school and academic books, encyclopedias, etc. We would also appreciate second hand merchandise such as furniture, clothing, appliances and crockery. These are sold at our Merchandise Store.

If you would like your donation to be collected, please our collections department on 021 706 2050 or on 062 685 0176. Alternatively, if your donation consists of NOT more than 5 boxes, you are more than welcome to drop it off at your closest store.
3Do you buy in books or swop?
No, we only accept donations as all proceeds go towards charity.
4 Do you have the following book?
If you phone to request a certain title, please realize that neither book stores have an inventory list, which means that if the volunteer at the front desk is unsure if we have a copy, he or she will have to ask another volunteer to search for the book on the shelves. Naturally, this would take time. Therefore, the best option would be to either leave your name and number or phone back in 15 minutes for an answer.
5 How do I become a volunteer? And what would I do?
You can simply visit the shop that is closer to your area of residence and the respective manager will work out a schedule that will best suit you. Most of the staff volunteer once or twice a week. You can choose to either work at the front desk (cash register and telephone) or on the floor (pricing and packing books on the shelves).
6I thought that the Claremont bookshop was at the Werdmuller Centre. Have they moved?
Yes, the shop is now located in Cavendish Close, Warwick Street, situated next to the tattoo shop.
7Where is the old man from the Sea Point shop?
John decided to retire after 30 plus years of volunteer service.

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