Tambirai Maruta
Nine countries converged for the first ever Mr and Mrs Albinism Southern Africa held last weekend at the Harare International Conference Center where Ntandoyenkosi Mkandla was crowned Mr. Albinism Southern Africa.
The Mrs Albinism Southern Africa crown went to Angola’s Andreia Muhitu while Angela Nokuthaba Dube came second as the first princess.
The event comprised of a star-studded line-up which featured live performances from artists like the Iconic South African Songstress PJ Powers, Minister Michael Mahendere, Mechanic Manyeruke and Baba Troy just to name a few.
Director of the Albinism Dare to Dream Initiative (ADDI) which was behind this mega event, Brenda Mudzimu, said:
“Albinism Dare to Dream Initiative (ADDI) formerly Miss Albinism Zimbabwe Trust is a registered charity organisation whose mission is to make sure that rights of persons with albinism are protected, promoted and respected through annual pageants, empowering workshops and career guidance so that as persons with albinism we claim our right in the society.’
“I am sure that everyone knows that persons with albinism are losing their lives, when we are talking about our neighbouring countries Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi.
“It really pains us and we are mentally tortured when we hear headlines everyday talking about the killing of persons with albinism,” said Mudzimu.
NetOne Chief Executive Officer Raphael Mushanawani emphasized their commitment to supporting people with albinism.
“As an industry we have a unique opportunity to create a positive impact and improve the lives of people with Albinism, we must continue to innovate, break barriers and forge alliances.
“NetOne is committed to being a part of the solution, as we move forward, we will work to ensure that our products and services are fully accessible to people with albinism and continue to promote awareness, education and opportunities within our community,” he said.
Mushanawani encourage people to desist from discriminating and stigmatizing people with Albinism but rather work hand in hand with them to build a better society.
“I would like to end on a personal note, let’s all take a moment to reflect on our values, beliefs and the kind of society we want to build, we must stand with people with albinism and condemn all forms of stigmatization and discrimination, let us work together and be the change we want to see in the world.”
Gospel legend Mechanic Manyeruke in an interview shared his sentiments and described the event as an excellent initiative which raised awareness and advocated for the issues of persons with albinism to be heard.
“I was touched after hearing about the challenges faced by persons with albinism in Africa and l started asking myself where we were all this time when this was happening, however we have done it and l am very happy to have been part of such an event and it must grow into something bigger that attracts more artists like PJ Powers so that we can raise more awareness and channel in more support towards the persons with albinism,” said Mechanic Manyeruke.