KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu spoke out last week against the dangerous myth that the use of albino body parts in muthi could make people rich.
“We need to identify traditional healers that are against this ridiculous notion and join with them to run awareness programmes to educate the public so that they do not believe in such myths.”
This he said would help protect our children, and brothers and sisters with albinism from becoming victims of abduction for their body parts.
Albinism is a congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes and is associated with a number of vision defects.
Lack of skin pigmentation makes an albino more susceptibility to sunburn and skin cancers.
Mthembu also handed over sunscreen lotions and eye test vouchers to local people with albinism.
The much needed donation will make a difference in their lives, especially for children between the ages of six and 12, who received free glasses.
“The albinism community should not feel inferior or feel pity for their condition as there is nothing wrong with people that have albinism, it is society that has created myths and negative perceptions about them,” said Mthembu.
“Society should play a pivotal role in ensuring that these negative perceptions are erased permanently.”
Education for children with albinism should also not be compromised.
Mthembu said there should be no need for them to attend special needs schools if there isn’t a need.
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