Since the kidnapping and the death of the Shabane children, awareness campaigns, protest marches, talk shows and candlelight events has been held in eMalahleni.
Mrs Tryphina Nhlapho addressing during the awareness campaign held on Monday, June 11 at the KG Mall in Vosman.
Led by the eMalahleni executive mayor Cllr Linah Malatjie another awareness campaign was held at the KG Mall on Monday, June 11.
The campaign started earlier on with a door to door campaign held at Empumelelweni and Marikana to raise the awareness against the abuse faced by people with albinism. Candles were later lighted to highlight the importance of the day which leads to the International Albinism Awareness Day, commemorated every year on June 13.
Emalahleni executive mayor Cllr Linah Malatjie addressing the people during the awareness campaign held at the KG Mall.
The United Nations (UN) stated that albinism is a congenital disorder characterized by the partial or complete absence of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair and eyes. Lack or absence of melanin in the skin makes people with albinism more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancers.
Albinism is also associated with visual problems and people with albinism frequently face social challenges, as their condition is often a source of discrimination, ridicule and sometimes even fear and related to violence.
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For instance, in some African countries such as Burundi and Tanzania, many people with albinism have become murder victims in recent years. International Albinism Awareness Day focuses on raising public awareness of albinism and preventing attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism.
Emalahleni executive mayor Cllr Linah Malatjie with Mrs Tryphina Nhlapho leading the awareness campaign held at the KG Mall.
All UN member states and organisations, as well as international and local organisations and civil society are encouraged to hold and participate in appropriate events and activities.
Mayor Malatjie thanked all the people who attended the campaign to show support to the Shabane family. Members of the Moral Regeneration Movement and other civil organisations have taken a leading role in most of the activities. Cllr Malatjie also urged community members to teach their children about people with albinism, to show them love, support and care.
Community members during an awareness campaign against the abuse faced by people with albinism. The campaign was held outside the KG Mall and moved inside on Monday, June 11.
Mrs Tryphina Nhlapho said Gabsile did not die in vain and all will be done not to have another death of a person with albinism.
“We are human beings like anybody else, we need to be love and supported. Thanks for all the support you have shown to us and the Shabane family,” added Mrs Nhlapho.
