Screamer Proves Disability Is Not Inability

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday September 6, 2010 00:00

But unknown to many, Ontiretse 'Screamer' Maidi, the man behind the voice, is visually impaired. He lost his vision before he started his primary education. The 41-year-old man from Mmankgodi told The Monitor on Friday that a measles attack cost him his vision. But this did not deter him from pursuing his interests. He said he has always had a passion for soccer hence his brilliant analysis of live matches. It is difficult to believe he never gets a chance to watch and see what he is talking about.

'I love soccer. I even used to play it when I was at primary school. So, when people talk about a corner kick, set piece and penalties, I understand clearly what they are talking about,' he said. Maidi had his primary and secondary education in Mochudi's Lentswe Primary School and  Molefhi Senior before returning to Lentswe to for national service (Tirelo Sechaba) where he continued to work as an untrained teacher for three years. He said while still a pupil at Lentswe, he used to play soccer with his peers using a specially designed ball that made noise.

He went to the United States (US) where he graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. He returned home and struggled to find a job despite his qualifications. 'I spent four years searching for a job and I could not find one, it was very hard for me,' he said. He then joined Radio Botswana (RB) at the beginning of 2009 as a continuity presenter and an understudy to veteran, Lesego Kgajwane.

Screamer said it was not long before his passion for sport, especially soccer was recognised and he was given a weekend afternoon sports slot. 'My interest in sport was recognised and I was over the moon when I was given the opportunity to present sports,' he said. He said his job on radio is very simple because he is always interacting with people. 'I interact with a lot of people, my colleagues here at work, my friends, just everyone. We tend to talk about a lot of things, current affairs, and politics and of course sports. Through that, I am always aware of my surroundings even though I cannot see,' he explained.

Maidi said it is surprising that in this day and age, people with certain disabilities still find it difficult to be accommodated in the job market because employers doubt their abilities. 'There is still a lot to be done because employers act on assumption that just because you are impaired, somehow you cannot do things that other people do. There should be legislation to allow people with disabilities to be accommodated in the employment sector just like any other normal being without any difficulties,' he said. He said despite unavailability of specialised equipment for him at work, his colleagues do a lot to accommodate him and help him whenever the need arises.

He said each and every moment he goes on air brings a special feeling, whether he is talking sports or just being a continuity presenter. He said he wants to see more people with disabilities coming forth to show they are equally competent in the job market and stop being dependant because disability does not mean inability. 'Once you have accepted the condition you are in, find out what you are interested in, do it and success will follow,' he said.