The Pavement Bookworm

Meet Philani Dladla who has one of the most inspiring young South African stories you're ever likely to encounter. An avid reader with an insatiable desire for knowledge, Philani has used his love for books to overcome drug addiction and change his lot in life – while trying to do the same for others.Growing up in rural KZN, Philani was a pre-teen when his mother's employer left him his book collection. His initiation under the Mandela Bridge, a place he would call home for years, was to share his clothes. He did, however, manage tokeep his bag of books. Refusing to be just any other beggar on the streets of Johannesburg, he started reviewing them and selling them to motorists driving up Empire Road near Wits. He charged a price according to how he rated the work in question. His unique approach soon captured Jozi's attention and he became known as "the pavement bookworm". Documentary filmmaker Tebogo Malope interviewed him about his roadside bookstall and posted the video...