Disabled man fights to be councillor

The wheelchair bound Edwin Phaladi, who has been trying to be a councillor to no avail has slammed government for turning down his applications.

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) man was disabled after he broke his neck in a horrible swimming pool accident in Orapa in 1992.  The well-read Phaladi, is a motivational writer passionate about books. He said that he has long harboured political ambitions which are hampered by his physical condition. He was motivated to become a councillor after the realisation that there is zero representation for the disabled in the councils and Parliament. “Pain is in the mind of the beholder. The disabled must represent themselves at both the council and parliament because so far their voice is not be heard,” he said.