Alexandria Procter, the dynamic founder of DigsConnect, and director of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), recently signed a book deal to share her story and inspire South Africans to pursue their dreams with determination.
The book, written over the course of more than a year, reflects Procter’s love for her country and her commitment to encouraging others to build a better future.
Although she first launched ‘Upstart’ in Cape Town earlier this year, she felt the need to have another launch in her home town of Gqeberha.
The launch, at Fogarty’s book shop in Walmer, saw guests brave the cold Gqeberha wind to listen to the young entrepreneur’s reading, and have their copies signed.
Her former teachers at Diocesan School for Girls in Makhanda were also among the guests.
Procter thanked all the guests and shares many personal stories about her journey to success.
The book journey began in April 2022 when Procter signed the deal, and the final chapter was completed in November 2023. All the while, she was leading DigsConnect and fulfilling her duties at NYDA and travelling to new countries almost every two months for work.
It was a hectic period, but passion and drive kept her going.
Despite her demanding schedule, Procter’s creative process was spontaneous and filled with inspiration.
“As much as I try desperately to establish a routine for myself, it seems I am immune to order of any kind,” she says.
“Chaos and raw inspiration just flow, and when they do, I whip out my MacBook and type away frantically.”
Her writing sessions could happen anywhere, at home, the office, on planes, trains, taxis, coffee shops, or even the middle of the night.
Throughout the intense writing process, Procter maintained a focus on the message she wanted to convey.
“I hope that my book makes people realise that they are the heroes they were searching for,” she explains.
“Every single person is capable of making a serious change in their community, which would, in turn, have a ripple effect, touching the lives of so many others.
” Despite the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities, including work at DigsConnect, her role at the NYDA, and her other projects, like the One Million For Democracy campaign, Procter found inspiration from her personal experiences and her childhood memories.
“Literature is one of the great loves of my life,” she shares.
“I have so many childhood memories of going to the library with my dad, or going to the bookshop with him, and we’d pick out our books for the week.”
Procter’s book draws heavily from local influences and experiences, with large parts set in Gqeberha, creating a sense of connection and closure for her.
The book’s ultimate message is about empowerment, reminding readers that “the future is wonderful and exciting, and it belongs to those who build it.
” For aspiring writers, Procter offered advice.
“Start a blog. Get your writing out there. Don’t wait for a publishing deal to fall out of the sky. Write every day and publish on your blog.”
Procter’s book is already on the best-sellers list at number 30 for the entire country, and available at all major bookstores for R320.
