Mayor fights discrimination
In the spirit of keeping Dr Nelson Mandela’s values of fighting against discrimination alive, the executive mayor of Nkomazi, Thulisile Khoza, spent Mandela Day with individuals living with albinism.
MALALANE – Khoza treated over 60 locals to a lunch at Malelane Spur.
She furthermore explained that spending time with them was relevant because people living with albinism had faced prejudice in the past.
“We know that they were discriminated against, and whenever they got onto public transport some people were not comfortable with being near them. There were and are also myths about them, that when they die they are not buried but, however, just disappear. As a municipality we have gone out and tried to prove that all these myths are not true at all. There have been those who we have seen being sick, and we visited at hospitals, and even at the point when they died we were part of their funerals,” she explained.
Khoza added that albinos were also human beings who were carried for nine months and conceived, as everyone else. There should be no reason for people to discriminate against them, and they were part of us.
Khoza also mentioned that as a municipality they were trying to address the eye problem which most albinos had, which was a serious problem, especially for learners.
“Most of them have a problem with seeing what is written on teaching boards at schools, because they are placed far from them. Their eye sight is not the same as ours, so we have written to the Department of Education. That in all the circuits which exist in Nkomazi, learners with albinism should be allowed to sit in front, and when they are setting test question papers, their font size should be large,” Khoza added.
According to her they had already received positive feedback from schools who had implemented this.
“We already have children who are studying at tertiary because of this partnership we have made with the departments of education and of health. The health department assists us with the checking of the learners’ eyes, and issuing them with the appropriate spectacles.” Khoza continued.
Apart from being treated to lunch, all the guests received gift packs sponsored by local businesses, which included special lotions and umbrellas.
“The problem with these lotions is it is classified under cosmetic, instead of treatment. And it is too expensive and most of them can’t afford to buy it themselves, but with the help of our local businesses we are now able to assist them by purchasing the lotion. Today they may be here to eat, however, after this each and everyone of them will be going home with a gift pack containing the lotion and other gifts,” Khoza explained.
Speaking to Corridor Gazette, Nikiwe Mbatha, one of the guests said she felt really special, and honoured to have been one of those chosen for this special lunch.
