Awareness is key in fighting the stigma of albinism

People living with albinism still face stigmatisation and discrimination. They are also prone to violent attacks fueled by certain beliefs.

With September being Albinism Awareness Month, the chairperson of the Albinism Society of South Africa (ASSA), Mpho Choliane, has called for acceptance of people living with albinism.

Chiloane said increased education about albinism can assist in empowering and enlightening community members.

“Society should stop calling us derogatory names. People should respect the rights and needs of individuals with albinism. If there’s something that people don’t understand about our condition, they must ask rather than assume.”

The 40-year-old resident from Daveyton said parents of children born with albinism should support and encourage their children to be the best that they can be.

“Early childhood education is vital to instill positive influences, such as that regardless of skin colour, everyone is the same.

“Since I joined ASSA, I’ve learnt a lot about the condition and I also impart my knowledge to mothers to encourage their children to feel comfortable and confident in their skin.”

Despite the challenges of growing up with albinism, Chiloane said he managed to embrace his condition though he needed to accept himself first.

“I realised I was different from other children when people used to refer to me as “the white grandson” when reporting me to my grandparents when I got up to mischief.

“My grandparents and parents would sit me down and assure me that I wasn’t different, it’s only my skin that is different.”

Chiloane said some of the stereotypical challenges he has encountered include when an elderly woman refused to sit next to him in a taxi and an altercation that he had with a rude cashier.

While people with albinism often battle poor vision and even blindness, Chiloane said he was fortunate enough that his parents ensured that he wore glasses from an early age.

“Regarding taking care of my skin, I use ointment for smooth skin and I bathe twice a day to cool my skin down. I also avoid the sun and always wear a hat, glasses and a long-sleeved shirt,” said Chiloane.

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Albinism is a rare genetic condition caused by mutations, or changes, of certain genes that affect the amount of melanin your body produces.

Melanin controls the pigmentation (color) of your skin, eyes, and hair. People with albinism have extremely pale skin, eyes, and hair.

The Albinism Society of South Africa (ASSA) will host its fundraising gala dinner on September 14 at Birchwood Hotel from 14:00 to 18:00.

Members of the public are invited to attend this insightful event, which will raise awareness for albinism and vitiligo. Tickets are R800 (VIP) and R600.

Proceeds raised will assist the organisation to continue delivering essential services and programmes for its beneficiaries.

For more information contact Shoki on 071 504 9447 or Lerato on 067 020 5184.

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