“I Won’t Be Silenced”: Disabled Resident Dragged from Municipal Offices After Overnight Protest
A dramatic scene unfolded at the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality offices in Qwaqwa, as Ratselane, affectionately known in the community as Ntata Maletsatsi, was forcibly removed by police after spending the night protesting outside the building.
A wheelchair user and resident of Ward 09, Ratselane’s protest stemmed from a simple yet urgent request: that gravel be laid on the road to his home so he could travel safely. He claims that Executive Mayor Cllr Malekola Melato dismissed his plea, falsely stating the road had already been repaired.
With no solution in sight, Ratselane took peaceful action, staging a silent protest by sleeping at the municipal entrance. However, at approximately 9:00 PM, he was forcibly removed by police—allegedly under orders from the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Social Development, Cllr Pastor Mary Crocket.
The incident has sparked public outrage and debate around disability rights, accessibility infrastructure, and how local government officials respond to vulnerable community members.
Community Response & Broader Concerns
Activists and residents alike are questioning the municipality’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure and basic human dignity. The image of a disabled man being forcibly removed for simply seeking access to his own home has struck a nerve across the region.
A Symbol of a Larger Struggle
Ntata Maletsatsi’s protest goes beyond a single road; it shines a spotlight on the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities—from physical access to governmental neglect. His quiet stand has ignited louder conversations, as citizens demand accountability and real action.
