The Silent Battles of Albinism
By Khanyisa Manganyi
Today I saw a young beautiful girl. She had the kind of gentle presence that stops time. Her skin was creamy and light, her figure graceful, her posture proud, and her smile—so soft, so kind—that it made me smile back without even thinking. She had albinism. Quiet, respectful, and polite, she greeted me as she passed.
And then… came the moment that nearly broke me.
Behind me, two elderly women whispered just loud enough for their venom to poison the air.
Their words were not whispers of wisdom, but cruel remarks—disgusting, degrading, and horribly ignorant. They said things about that young girl as if she was a ghost, as if she didn’t deserve to be human. I froze in anger and shock.
I thought to myself, “How can people still be like this?”
Even the Bible says,
“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6
And truly, it’s not just ignorance—it’s a failure of humanity.
Albinism is not a curse. It’s not a punishment. It’s not strange or scary. Albinism is a genetic condition—a person is born with little or no melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. It happens in every race, every culture, and every corner of the world. People with albinism may have very light skin and hair, vision problems including sensitivity to sunlight, and a higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
But let me tell you what they also have: courage to step outside when the world stares, kindness in a society that doesn’t always return it, and more often than not… a deeper wisdom than their years.
South Africa is a country rich in diversity and culture. But sometimes, that culture gets clouded by old myths and damaging traditions. People with albinism here often face cruel teasing and public humiliation, staring, pointing, whispering, and being called things like ghosts, cursed, snakes, or not fully human. In schools, they’re bullied, misunderstood, or pushed aside due to vision challenges no one helps them with. Some are even hunted or hurt, especially in rural areas where people still believe ancient myths that body parts of people with albinism can bring luck or wealth. These are not old fairy tales. These are real threats. Real children. Real pain.
In countries like Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and Burundi, children with albinism have been abducted, mutilated, or killed—their limbs sold in black markets for witchcraft rituals. Imagine being a child and needing to hide just to stay alive. Imagine never being allowed to go outside, not because of the sun, but because of human cruelty.
In contrast, countries in Europe and North America are safer, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. People with albinism often still face bullying in schools, being ostracized for looking “different,” and lack of proper visual support or sun protection. But there’s more education, more acceptance, and less danger.
Thankfully, more voices are rising and rewriting the story of albinism. Thando Hopa, a South African model and lawyer with albinism, has graced international fashion runways and even the cover of Vogue. She once said:
“I’ve never had the luxury of simply being seen as a woman. I’ve always been seen as the woman with albinism.”
That one line carries so much weight. People with albinism are tired of being defined by what they were born with. They want to be seen for who they are—artists, teachers, friends, creators, lovers, leaders. They want what everyone else wants: dignity. Kindness. Respect.
Ignorance is a darkness deeper than skin. And the cure is simple: education, love, and truth. Teach your children that albinism is not a mystery to fear. Learn the science: it’s genetic, not contagious. Speak up when others say something cruel. And if you’re a teacher, friend, or employer—give people with albinism the same respect and opportunity as anyone else.
They do not need to be pitied. They need to be seen. Celebrated. Protected.
To that beautiful young girl I saw today—
I hope you never heard those women.
I hope your light continues to shine brighter than their ignorance.
And I pray that this world becomes a safer, gentler place for you.
Let this be a reminder that we are called to love beyond differences.
To see people with the eyes of grace, not superstition.
To build a world where no child is afraid to exist.
Anything and Everything Blog
Comments
Post a Comment