Celebrating inclusiveness with Sowetans
Nomasonto Mazibuko from Albinism society of South Africa says it is everyone's responsibility to learn and educate society about our differences in a quest to create an inclusive and non-discriminatory South Africa.
Nomasonto Mazibuko from Albinism society of South Africa says it is everyone’s responsibility to learn and educate society about our differences in a quest to create an inclusive and non-discriminatory South Africa.
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Mazibuko was speaking at a panel discussion on inclusion held at the Human Rights Precinct in Johannesburg last week.
Hosted by Nestle Cremora, the Joy of Inclusion campaign is leading a conversation about the importance of inclusiveness and non-discrimination in South Africa.
It features activists and advocates of change such as business women and communications expert, Tobeka Lwana, Anele Siswana who is a Clinical Psychologist focussing on mental health issues, Boitumelo Rametsi who is a model and mental health activist, Zoleka Mandela.
Through the campaign, stakeholders invite South Africans to have open discussions about what makes every individual unique and while embracing out differences.
Due to lack of education, people who have albinism, the LGBTQI+ community and those who have mental health issues often find themselves being discriminated against.
This also leads to them being excluded from social and economic activities. Sometimes their exclusion is due to lack of representation from various social and economic settings.
The Joy of Inclusion campaign by Nestle aims to address these imbalances through open conversations and the promotion of inclusiveness.
Facilitating the panel discussion was broadcaster, Bongani Bingwa who told attendees that inclusiveness should not just be a constitutional obligation but it should be everyone’s moral duty.
“Inclusiveness is a JOY because when we break down barriers, when we shatter boundaries, when we remove the obstacles in our way; we make the circle of inclusion bigger and by doing that, we sow the seeds for a brighter and happier tomorrow for us all,” said Bingwa.
The Nestle Cremora Joy of Inclusion campaign was launched last year to not only promote social cohesion but to also celebrate our differences as South Africans while reminding everyone that they are important.
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“When we speak of inclusion, we speak of the diverse and under-represented.
We speak of all the millions of people who deserve to be acknowledged, recognised, embraced, welcomed, and included in our hopes and dreams, and our plans for the best of all possible tomorrows.
That is what we mean by the Joy of Inclusion,” explained Phume Msomi, Category Marketing Manager, Creamers at Nestlé East and Southern Africa.
Other activists in the campaign include Mpho Mofokeng, Gabriel Temudzani, Masa Diamond and Lelo WhatsGood to mention just a few.
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