LYDENBURG – With the help of sticky keys to type, a quadriplegic who was shot 20 years ago and lost total use of his limbs and torso, has published his first book.

Andries Botes, also known as Barry Botes, chairman and founder of Ama-Wheelies in town, said that it took him four years to compile everything.

“It all seemed far-fetched to type with the sticky keys, until I learnt how to do it,” he explained.

The book is titled, The Timbavati Secrets. After a series of interviews and research, the product was finalised and provides insights into Pedi secrets.

“This book is about a small tribe of people living in Southern Africa known as the Pedi (Bapedi).It is also about mysterious events like light aircraft crashes that happen in a small area called the Timbavati half-moon,” he explained.

The Timbavati is a mysterious place with unusual rock formations and is part of the Kruger National Park.

The book contains vivid, narrative descriptions and readers are warned that it is age restricted: no persons under the age of 18.

The tale starts on a late afternoon when a young scientist from America, Mark, was travelling from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg.

He was sent to collect a parcel at Lanseria International Airport in Sandton. He then meets Shelley, a New York Times journalist, who was lost and trying to find her way. From there the tale unfolds.

Botes said that he donated a copy of the book to Lydenburg Public Library. “One of my reasons for donating the book is to make sure that everyone has access to it.

” With the book completed, he is learning the ropes of marketing. “I have a website, posters and I am sharing some interesting parts of the book on Facebook,” he explained.

The author has printed 500 copies and selling for R220 per copy. The book is also available from Kalahari at R458.

Botes advised people to place orders for a signed copy and said they would enjoy every chapter.