Vryheid woman regarded as a pariah in the community, but as a hero to her family
When Busisiwe gets into a taxi to come to town, the other passengers regard her with disgust and suspicion… Many just get out.
BUSISIWE Buthelezi may not be a magician, but, when she approaches, people certainly seem to disappear.
When Busisiwe gets into a taxi to come to town, the other passengers regard her with disgust and suspicion… Many just get out. Recently, taxi operators have politely declined to let her board, so as not to upset any of their other customers.
When she queues at the Vryheid Hospital for medical assistance, the other patients sit as far away from her as possible.
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She is not contagious. She has fourth stage skin cancer, a condition that may have been avoided if Busisiwe could have afforded sunscreen to protect her vulnerable skin.
Living with albinism, she is used to being shunned for being different… But cancer treatment and intervention has left her with gaping wounds to her skin and neck that has turned her into a pariah.
Coming from an impoverished home and slowly succumbing to her terminal disease, all Busisiwe has left to offer is her story. While she was still able to, she shared information about albinism and cancer with anyone who would listen, to try and change her community’s perception about people with these two conditions.
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After being counselled by social workers preparing the family for her passing, Busisiwe’s husband and nephew made their way to the Vryheid Herald to convey this message on her behalf,
“We (people living with albinism) are also human, like you. We want to be cared for and accepted, not feared.”
“My aunt is not afraid to talk to other people about albinism or cancer,” said Bongani Mbatha. “I can compare her to Nkosi Johnson, the child who made an impact on how people perceived HIV and Aids patients. She takes the time to educate members of the community on what it means to live with albinism and cancer. She is very brave. She is a strong woman, despite her circumstances.”
Raising four children in a mud house in Mnyathi Village, Busisiwe used to sell vetkoek outside a local primary school to raise the money needed to feed her family. Her husband, Dumisani, worked as a security guard in Johannesburg until Busisiwe fell ill. Then, he had no choice but to return home to take care of the family. Busisiwe no longer had the strength to chop wood or collect coal to make a fire, nor could she make the journey to the river to collect water. The family has lost both incomes, and now survives on an indigent grant.
If you are able to help Busisiwe and her family with a nutritious meal, a donation of clothing, blankets or groceries, or even just advice or moral support, please contact Dumisani on 073 047 0713, or Bongani on 084 344 6015.
