With September being Albinism Awareness Month, the Albinism Society of South Africa (ASSA) is reminding the public of the vital services it provides.

The society, which has branches in Tsakane, Putfontein, Thembisa, Vosloorus, Wattville, and other areas, supports people with albinism and vitiligo, while also emphasising its role in advocacy, education, and awareness.

Founded in 1992 by executive director Nomasonto Mazibuko, ASSA was established to enhance the self-esteem of people with albinism, support parents in raising children with the condition, and create socially acceptable conditions for those living with albinism.

The organisation actively lobbies for the recognition and social acceptability of people with albinism and their families. It also runs educational programmes to dispel harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition.

Through workshops, the society engages communities directly, raising awareness and promoting inclusion. According to Shoki Kekana from ASSA, the society provides psychosocial support, education, and preventive care to improve the quality of life for its members.

“We also do home visits where we offer information to those who need it. We work with different stakeholders, such as dermatologists and optometrists, who assist with the overall health of our members. Whenever possible, we also distribute sunscreens donated to the organisation,” Kekana explained.

The society also collaborates with the Department of Education to ensure schools provide conducive learning conditions for learners with albinism.

ASSA hosts support group meetings for parents of children with albinism every second week of the month at St John’s Anglican Church in Putfontein.

Community members wishing to attend the support meetings or partner with the society to help sustain its work can contact Kekana on 071 504 9447 or Mpho Chiloane on 064 169 5003.