Police held an awareness campaign
Community members were told how some of the people with albinism were living tough lives because of myths towards them
Police in Vosman with other stakeholders held an awareness campaign for the public to be aware about the lives of people with albinism.
The campaign was held on Thursday, March 28 at Hlalanikahle Community Hall.
Community members were told how some of the people with albinism were living tough lives because of myths towards them.
“What has happened to our values as human beings, what has become of us as a proud South African nation who respects each other? People with albinism are not half human but human beings like any of us. People with albinism have always to look behind their backs every time they travel or walk in the streets. People have believed that people with albinism have luck or supernatural powers which are all wrong,” said one of the speakers.
Cllr Derrick Sikhosana representing the executive mayor said that they will always support any programme to educate the community of eMalahleni.
He said they want to be involved in sending out the message with the hope it will change the altitudes of some people.
Well activist Ms Tryphina ‘Queen T’ Nhlapho started her address by singing a song in honour of Gabsile Shabane.
She said she was a wife, a mother and a human being like any other person except for the colour of her skin.
She said she did not see the reason to celebrate Human Rights Day (on March 21) because people with albinism have limited rights.
“We have prize tags because some people believe that we have luck. People like us for our body parts, we even hunted even if lay in our graves as it was seen with Xolani Mkhize of Pinnar. We are not animals, we need to be protected,” she said.
Ms Nhlapho challenged government departments to hire people with albinism. She also said they need to be provided with sunscreen cream with an SPF 50+.
Mr Themba Malobola representing the traditional leaders said they fully support people with albinism and urged the government to do more to support them.
Other speakers emphasised the importance of human rights and call community members to support and care for people with albinism.
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