The Congress of South African Trade Unions joins the international community to mark the International Albinism Awareness Day under the theme; “Still Standing Strong”.These International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address these problems and reinforce the achievements of humanity.

We are calling on all South Africans and workers, in particular, to stand up and defend people with albinism who continue to face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. Albinism is still extremely misunderstood by many societies and there are many mistaken beliefs and myths that perpetuate the victimisation and social exclusion of people with albinism. This does not just lead to stigma and discrimination but also sometimes lead to a situation where they are hunted and sometimes killed.

Traditional leaders, religious communities and the entire civil society needs to work with the government to deal with this scourge of the victimisation of people with albinism.
Traditional leaders’ and healers need to reclaim the culture and traditional methods that are being abused by criminal elements to target people with albinism.

The Federation will also like to see mandatory minimum sentences for people who hunt and kill people with albinism like animals. We all need to identify, commemorate and stand in solidarity with persons with albinism and support their fight to remove the hurdles and challenges that seriously undermine their enjoyment of human rights.

Issued by COSATU

Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)
Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794