City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), together with Bob90 and the Bino’s, are shining a light on albinism using a campaign called I am more than just my skin, to break the stereotype.
The month of September is Albinism Awareness Month.
Thabelo Makgashana shared his story to create awareness in the community about albinism.
Makgashana realised he was different at about the age of seven.
He started isolating himself because his peers in primary school called him names and others feared him because of misconceptions about his condition.
“Growing up was quite a challenge because people fear what they don’t understand. But the moment I accepted my difference people warmed up to me and that was an opportunity to show them the only difference between them and me was the colour of my skin,” explained Makgashana.
He is now 26 and is an HIV/Aids peer educator at the Tembisa Health Care Centre.
“I no longer live in isolation but live comfortably in my own skin after accepting I’m more than just my skin,” said Makgashana.
As an HIV/Aids peer educator, Makgashana visits close to 36 taverns educating people on HIV/Aids awareness and prevention.
“Interacting with people requires confidence, which is a characteristic I had built through the years. My parents played a role in helping me gain confidence,” said Makgashana.
He said parents must tell their children what to expect from the outside world.
“Explain to them why they look different and go through the journey with them on how to accept and take care of themselves,” advised Makgashana.
Albinism is an inherited genetic condition in which the body does not produce enough melanin, the chemical responsible for eye, skin and hair colour.
Because of the lack of pigmentation, the affected person has very pale skin, hair and eyes.
Organisations such as Bob90 and the Bino’s, which runs in the CoE, offers support to people with albinism by boosting their confidence and unleashing their talent through performance art.
Bob90 and the Bino’s use edutainment in the form of a choir and theatrical performances to highlight the increasing scourge of attacks and the enormous threats and difficulties faced by people living with albinism in SA.
If you wish to learn more about the condition, offer support or to be a part of the support group contact Bob90 on 073 712 7232 or email on bobthebino@gmail.com
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