St Mary’s Anglican Church in KaBokweni hosted an albinism awareness day to celebrate Nelson Mandela Month under the theme ‘Made to shine’ on July 2.

According to the co-ordinator of the programme, Thembi Mpangane, the aim of the event was to educate people about albinism and the challenges thereof.

Mpangane said the challenges persons living with albinism face includes skin conditions, unemployment, femicide and violence.
“We wanted to show love to our sisters and brothers who are living with albinism. We want to remind them that it is not by mistake that they were born. They are not excluded from the community, especially our church,” she said.

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“People in society need to include those with albinism, and we call on the government to give them social grants so that they are able to afford the expenses when it comes to the things they need to maintain their skin. They also can suffer from astigmatism, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, lazy eyes, underdeveloped optic nerves and rapid involuntary movement.”

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According to the manager of Transversal Service in the Ehlanzeni district, Pauline Segage, they appreciate what the church is doing.
“To educate the society about albinism and on how to treat people with albinism in public places and within families are invaluable,” she said.
After the service, the church gave gifts to people with albinism to show their support of the challenges they face daily.