A study by Professor Trevor Jenkins from the South African Institute of Medical Research reveals that one in thirty-five (1/35) Black South Africans is a carrier of the Albinism mutation gene. This important statistic was highlighted by Lerato Mekgwe, a Social Work Supervisor in the Ekurhuleni Region, during an interview on Kasie FM on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
Mekgwe, who is a person with Albinism, works for the Gauteng Department of Social Development. She emphasized that September is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by persons with Albinism, as well as dispelling harmful myths associated with the condition.
"During this month, our focus is on providing information to raise awareness and educate the public about Albinism," Mekgwe said. She explained that Albinism is an inherited condition that affects a person's ability to produce normal pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes due to a lack of melanin.
"Albinism affects people of all races and remains misunderstood, both socially and medically," she added.
Mekgwe spoke about the persistent stigma, discrimination, and exclusion experienced by people with Albinism, largely fuelled by superstition. She noted that the year 2024 marks a decade since the launch of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), with this year's theme being "10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress."
"Albinism is not a disease. It's a genetic condition and not contagious. People are born with Albinism when they inherit the gene from their parents," Mekgwe clarified. She also discussed the various health challenges faced by persons with Albinism, including vision problems, skin sensitivity, and psychological challenges, due to their lack of melanin.
Mekgwe took the opportunity to debunk several myths, including the harmful beliefs that people with Albinism are cursed, less intelligent, or possess magical properties.
She also pointed out that the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Albinism Society of South Africa (ASSA), is available to support the social needs of persons with albinism.