Equality Court case between the albinism sector and Bongolethu Dr Khehlelezi Nyanga Yodumo Mzozo
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will be joining the National Albinism Task Force of South Africa (NATF) in calling for the end of discrimination, hostility and violence against persons with albinism.
This call is made during Disability Rights Awareness Month ahead of the court appearance of South African traditional healer Bongolethu “Dr Khehlelezi” Mzozo over a video shared on YouTube in April 2023 that spreads misinformation about persons with albinism.
Following the release of the video, in line with Section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 2000 (PEPUDA) (No 4, 2000), the Thembisile Madlala Albinism Foundation supported by the NATF lodged a case with the Equality Court against Khehlelezi, arguing that the video was discriminatory and amounts to “hate speech” against persons with albinism.
While the case involving Khehlelezi is an issue at hand, it should be noted that there is a more significant need for addressing discrimination and hate speech against persons with albinism. As a result, the approach by the NATF, in collaboration with the Department of Sports Arts and Culture (KZN), is to initiate Stakeholder Engagement Conversations with the aim of having a National Safety Plan for Persons with Albinism.
The department for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, being the custodian of the disability rights agenda in South Africa, has since begun working closely to collaborate with the NATF and DSAC (KZN) to initiate the Conversation by facilitating the first Social Cohesion Community Outreach programme. The programme aims to raise awareness of the underlying traditional myths and practices that potentially perpetuate stigma and discrimination against and the persecution of persons with albinism.
On Thursday, 30th November 2023, the media is invited to join persons with albinism and organisations who will convene at Gandhi Park in Verulam, Kwa Zulu-Natal, at 08:30 AM for the continuation of the court hearing at the Equality Court at the Verulam Magistrate Court.
For further information please contact:
Patrick Wadula
National Chairperson
National Albinism Task Force
Cell 082 904 0713
Nontsikelelo Loteni
National Secretary
National Albinism Task Force
Cell: 083 555 5530
Thembisile Madlala
Chairperson
Thembisile Madlala
Albinism Foundation
Cell: 082 433 1862
