Mother abandons her children with albinism
Mother abandons her children with albinism
December 30, 2023
Pick Nkomwa
Choice News Africa
Filabusi – Two minor children with albinism were abandoned by their mother in Nkankesi area of Insiza district-Matabeleland South Province, after she failed to come to terms with their albinism.
The children now aged eight and six have lost their mother’s love because of skin colour and are currently in the care of the father, who has become the sole guardian for the kids. These minors’ crime committed to their mother, is albinism.
The abandoned minors who are now living with their father and grandmother. Pic Choice News Africa
Albinism is an inherited disorder that presents with little or no melanin production, which results in either little or no colour to skin, eyes or hair.
The term albinism typically refers to oculocutaneous (ok-u-low-ku-TAY-nee-us) albinism (OCA); a group of inherited disorders where there is little or no production of the pigment melanin. The type and amount of melanin your body produces determines the colour of your skin, hair and eyes.
In Africa, People with Albinism experience several social and physiological problems, t hese include stigmatisation and ostracism by society on account of the pink skin vis-a-vis normal African who are black just to mention a few.
The father, Mthulisi Moyo proved that it is not always the case that men flee after the family is blessed with a child with disability.
“I have lost my marriage as a result of these two angels that we were blessed with. My wife, now ex-wife demanded that she cannot withstand having two children with albinism, she needed one with black skin. After she left I requested if her young sister could assist, however she chased them. Currently my children are in custody of my mother and I love my kids.” said Moyo.
Another mother, Sharon Ndlovu whose child has albinism, expressed disappointment to learn about the abandoned children.
“At first I was so stressed and stark when I was blessed with a child with albinism. I received a lot of counselling from friends and relatives and later accepted it. I love my child just like other children. I believe counselling and family support lacked to this mother. I urge my sister to come to her sense and care for her children,” said Ndlovu.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust Programmes and Communications Officer, Monitor Beloved Ncube expressed dissatisfaction on this issue.
“In our interventions and programming we usually notice men neglecting children with disabilities. Sadly we are noticing new trends as women are neglecting their children with disabilities. Children are left in custody of elderly grandparents. We seriously condemn this. We are happy with Mr Moyo for being a pillar to his children and we also wish other men can emulate this.” Added Ncube.