Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu to highlight the plight of persons with albinism in Witbank
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mrs Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will on Thursday, 22 March, highlight the plight of persons with albinism by visiting and rendering support to the Shabangu family in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province.
Two children from the Shabangu family, both of whom lived with albinism, were kidnapped and their bodies were later found decapitated.
Albinism is a hereditary condition that results in a lack of skin, hair and eye pigmentation. This inherited condition is characterised by a lack of the melanin pigment which results in pale skin, light hair, pale eyes and impaired vision.
The killing of persons with albinism is further perpetuated by deeply-rooted cultural myths such as that their body parts bring luck, fortune, wealth and prosperity. Over the last decade, about 200 killings, and more than 500 attacks on people with albinism, have been reported in 27 sub-Saharan African countries.
In her recent visit to the family of the late Xolani Mkhize on Monday 19 March, the Deputy Minister committed herself to raising awareness against ritual killings, abuse and trafficking of persons with albinism. She also called for communities to play their part of ensuring that people with albinism are always protected.
The visits form part of the commemoration of Human Rights Month which is observed on 21 March annually.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Deputy Minister’s visit arranged as follows:
Programme – Visit to Witbank police station
Date: Thursday, 22 March, 2018
Venue: Witbank Police Station – Mpumalanga Province
Time: 13h00
Programme – Visit to Shabangu family
Date: Thursday, 22 March, 2018
Venue: Shabangu Family in Witbank - Mpumalanga Province
Time: 14h00
Media RSVPs may be forwarded to Mr Jaconia Kobue on 063 249 5120 / JaconiaK@dsd.gov.za or Mr Justice Malapane on 079 4977 426 / JusticeD@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
