Persons with albinism to form a structure

Different officials attended the meeting but notably was the presence of well-known Mrs Nomasonto Mazibuko and Ms Trudy Xhala-Mavimbela transversal manager in the office of the executive mayor. The meeting was organised by Ms Reshoketsoe Malekane.

Welcoming the gathering Cllr Jappie Msibi stated that it was historical that they had gathered. He said even though there were challenges, government wants structures and people to work together.

He thanked the organisers and felt the first step in the right direction has already been taken and hopefully a fully-fledged structure will be formed in the future. Cllr Msibi also thanked the office of the executive mayor for the support and by providing breakfast and lunch.

Young members and their parent’s related problems they faced in their daily lives. One stated how he ended involved in drugs because of pressure. Mrs Mazibuko explained how thousands of Africans are affected by albinism, a genetic disorder characterised by a partial or total absence of the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour.

Although it occurs in all races, albinism is thought to be more prevalent in Africa than other parts of the world. In other African countries people with albinism are killed. She also related problems growing up in Soweto in a family of ten, five with albinism.

A statement reads: “Statistics on the subject are incomplete but studies quoted by a World Health Organisation report gave prevalence rates of between 1 in 15 000 in Nigeria’s East Central State to as many as 1 in 1 000 in the Tonga tribe of Zimbabwe.

In South Africa around one in 4 000 is estimated to be born with albinism, compared with about 1 in 20 000 worldwide. Apart from the risk of skin cancer involved with growing up under a baking hot sun, African people with albinism have a slew of ignorance-fueled myths and superstitions to contend with. In rural areas you get all sorts of beliefs. In Limpopo it’s believed to be a curse. In the south, among the Zulu and Xhosa peoples they think it’s a blessing,”

Ms Mavimbela thanked the organisers as well and hoped they will form partnership in the office of the mayor and she pledged her full support to the structure as they do with the other structures. “We need to play our role as a community by supporting them. We need to give space so that they can voice out their problems and challenges.

Let us not sideline them; we thanked mothers who did not dump their children while they were young. We need to speak with one voice as non governmental organisations. We promise that a structure will be launched in the future.”

It was also stated that support groups are essential for persons with albinism. The support group will provide information and alleviate trauma. The Albinism Society of South Africa aims to enhance the self-esteem of people with albinism by providing education. They also aim to assist families, associates and professionals to understand that albinism is manageable condition.