Neighbours describe living with albinism
Albinism Awareness Month is fast becoming an important part of our township’s social and cultural calendar.
In Katlehong, a local community organisation calling itself Beauty By Nature hosted an albinism awareness event at Fumana High School as part of this year’s celebrations. Several dozen people with albinism came from different areas of Kathorus to take part in this important event.
Kathorus MAIL was there to cover the event and celebrate this wonderful occasion that fortified these often misunderstood and marginalised members of society.
In an effort to learn more about their fears, hopes and aspirations, your favorite lokshin newspaper visited a few of them at their homes and asked them about themselves.
Sthembiso Nkosi lives in Radebe Section in Katlehong. He described himself as a down-to-earth and quiet person. He said there are different types of sports as well as hobbies that he likes, but he never really gets the chance to participate in them. Although he did not elaborate, the general lack of people with albinism in sports gave credence to his statement.
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Asked if albinism disadvantaged him in any way, he said: “For me it has always been OK. I’ve never been sidelined or anything like that. I have never been treated as a disabled person. I have never had to fear anything, I have always been free. When it comes to my family, I have always been a golden boy. I live happily and freely with them and I know for sure that they’d never sell me at any given price.”
Thabiso Mokoena from Phola Park Extension Five in Thokoza said: “Growing up was never easy, I went through some challenges as some people never understood why am I of a different skin tone. I always had to explain to people to make them understand that I’m also a human being and normal as them.”
Mokoena said he gets a lot of support and love from members of his family, his friends as well as from members of the neighborhood where he lives. He believes people are beginning to gradually understand what albinism is about. He told Kathorus MAIL he feels safe around his neighbourhood, but he is somewhat disturbed by what is happening to people with albinism in other parts of Africa.
“All the things happening in other countries make me angry,” he said, adding that he was looking for a platform where he could voice his opinions about this matter.
“Maybe even start an organisation to support and campaign for albinism. Who knows, maybe even open an organisation on social media,” said Mokoena.
For Nosipho Jula, also of Katleong, growing up with albinism was never easy, but she prides herself on the great support her family and friends always shower on her. She told Kathorus MAIL that it was always the feeling of knowing that her friends loved her and were always there for her.
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“One of my friend’s sisters was afraid of me until I sat her down and explained to her that I’m a normal human being and I’m just like her,” concluded Jula.
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