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 to keep his bag of books.