Despite the fact that albinism affects several South Africans, it is a condition that
remains deeply misunderstood. Albinism is steeped in myth and false notions, and is
perceived by many as a curse and contamination. For years, persons living with
albinism have been treated with doubt and suspicion. Also in schools and in the
wider community, children with albinism are subjected to violence and ridicule. In
certain areas on the African continent, including Southern Africa, persons living with
albinism are killed for the trade in body parts for use as sacramental medicines, or
sexually assaulted as a result of the belief that raping them may offer a cure for
HIV/AIDS. All of this highlights the extreme vulnerability of persons living with
albinism, not to mention the many violations of their fundamental rights that follow
from the manner in which they are treated. Within the social context that frames the
experience of persons living with albinism, the primary purpose of this study is to
highlight some of the pertinent challenges faced by persons living with albinism in
South Africa which compromise the full enjoyment of their fundamental rights as
enshrined in the South African Constitution. The thesis makes a number of practical
recommendations that will assist in promoting the legal position of this vulnerable
group, while also contributing to a better understanding of albinism in general which
will ultimately change negative perceptions and debunk the myths surrounding the
condition. / Jurisprudence / LL. D.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/21640 |
| Date | 10 1900 |
| Creators | Mswela, Mphoeng Maureen |
| Contributors | Slabbert, Melodie Nöthling |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xii, 283, 17 unnumbered leaves) : color illustrations |
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