People with albinism is one group in South Africa that faces discrimination in many ways. They are normally socially isolated and have to live in fear due to misunderstanding of their condition.
On Monday (13/06), International Albinism Awareness Day was celebrated and Nestlé Cremora’s Joy of Inclusion campaign focuses on this group.
Mpho Mofokeng (24) represents persons with albinism in South Africa, and is a real-life hero.
She is a model and TV presenter who has made a name for herself in the beauty industry.
Through her social platforms, Mofokeng provides everyday advice on skincare products suitable for her skin type which also serves as a platform to shift the perceptions by equipping people with knowledge that can encourage inclusivity.
Mofokeng has shared a few words:1. What does Joy Of Inclusion mean to you?When I am able to be seen in a way that I would like to be seen – as part of my community, part of the black people, part of women, and part of human beings in general. 2. What would be the perfect world for people with albinism? The perfect world for me and other people with albinism is a world where we can browse through a magazine and see an image of likeliness, see someone who represents us.
And not only just representation but also being comfortable living freely, and not fearing that people will refer to you as a bad omen.
Or call you names, but to be seen as an equal and as a human being. A perfect world would be safety, presentation, and acceptance. 3. How can persons with albinism find their Joy Of Inclusion? I would say find your people. It’s not everyone that will have a good opinion about you.
You know you are great, talented and you know that you’re more than just your condition. 4. What advice do you have for people who struggle to share and feel the Joy Of Inclusion?If you focus on the negative, that’s one thing that you will constantly see and constantly be exposed to.
You have to get to a point of self-acceptance. You will then attract likeminded people that embrace your uniqueness and beauty. 5. Who has been your greatest support?My mother. She is a strong black woman who has raised her kids with such compassion, love and selflessness as well. She’s strong without being afraid of being vulnerable.6. If you were a superhero, what power would you have? To change people’s hearts – or better yet, their mindsets.
Give people a vision of how beautiful something outside their norm can be.
