By Faith Chimutsa
Communications service provider NetOne joined hands with Albinism Charity Foundations and Organisations in Zimbabwe to celebrate and commemorate Albinism Fun and Talent Day 2022 on Saturday 12 November in Gweru.
The celebrations under the hashtags ’ #UnitedInMakingOurVoiceHeard and #Inclusion4equility as prescribed by the International Albinism Association was well attended by many people not only albinos.
In a speech read on behalf of Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani by head marketing and public relations manager Miss Roselyn Chisveto, albinism is described as a rare condition, a genetically inherited difference that occurs at birth, it is a non-contagious and is caused by lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes causing lack of defense to sunlight and bright light- therefore ‘Not A Curse’.
“As NetOne we are glad to join hands with all Albinism Charity Foundations and Organizations’ in Zimbabwe to celebrate and commemorate this special day in the organization’s calendar. NetOne continues to carry the ‘banner’ #UnitedInMakingOurVoiceHeard and #Inclusion4equility as prescribed by the International Albinism Association”, said Chisveto.
She applauded that the awareness campaigns that her organization is running across the country as they are also part of the national mantra by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, his Excellence Dr E.D Mnangagwa ‘Leaving No One or Place Behind. These campaigns are meant to fight stigma and societal stereotypes.
“Our CSR strategy hinges around uplifting previously marginalized communities including the Albinism community. The organization’s thrust is to put end to such a ‘social-ill’ as we believe ‘Albinism is not a curse’, it is just a different skin pigment. Living with Albinism does not disqualify one from enjoying the priviledges that are inscribed as human rights”, she added.
“As part of creating a strong CSR brand, NetOne, this year has done number of awareness initiatives and events around the country. These include: commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day 2022 (Masvingo, Manicaland, Bulawayo, Mash-West), Mr & Miss Albinism 2022 (Harare), Clean-Up Campaign (Mash-West), only to mention a few”, she said.
“Today we are experiencing an event where we are celebrating talent and diversity here in the Midlands. We shall continue with these campaigns across the length and breadth of the country”, added Chisveto.
Meanwhile, NetOne through its management will continue to support people living with albinism and have donated sun creams, lip balms and sun hats.
NetOne would like to assure the community that they seek to partake this initiative to the various regions across the country as it is their mandate to ensure that they leave no place and no one behind NDSG1.
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