By 
WELKOM — In a decisive push for social justice and institutional inclusion, the Free State MEC for the Department of Social Development Ms Mathabo Hlalele issued an urgent call to action for local communities to unite in safeguarding the rights and dignity of people living with albinism.
Speaking at a major commemoration event held today at the Ferdie Meyer Hall in Welkom, MEC Hlalele marked International Albinism Awareness Day ahead of its global observance on, June 13. Government leaders utilized the platform to reflect transparently on provincial progress while aggressively highlighting systemic challenges that demand immediate state and societal intervention.
Central to Friday’s proceedings was an unyielding focus on the harsh, everyday realities confronting families across the Free State. State executives directly addressed the critical scarcity of basic medical and preventative resources, noting that items such as high-protection sunscreen are frequently treated as luxury goods rather than the life-saving healthcare necessities they are. Officials explicitly acknowledged that consistent sun protection is non-negotiable for individuals with albinism, serving as a vital shield against aggressive skin malignancies and severe sun damage.
“Sunscreen is not an optional cosmetic product—it is a critical, life-saving health necessity that must be consistently accessible to all.”
To institutionalize this stance, the provincial administration announced a formalized, strengthened partnership with the Department of Health. This collaborative mechanism is specifically engineered to eliminate supply chain disruptions and secure a predictable, uninterrupted distribution of specialized sunscreen and multi-disciplinary healthcare support across all regional clinics.
Under the administrative leadership of Honourable Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, the Free State Government firmly reaffirmed its constitutional mandate to provide services that are inherently equitable, accessible, and deeply responsive to vulnerable demographics. Citizens were heavily urged to dismantle deeply entrenched social stigmas, ensuring that individuals living with albinism or other physical disabilities are no longer hidden away or subjected to structural discrimination. Instead, families and local institutions were exhorted to aggressively advocate for their unhindered participation in classrooms, corporate workspaces, and civic leadership.
EMPOWERMENT AND ECONOMIC CO-OPERATIVES
Beyond immediate healthcare provisions, the state unveiled a comprehensive economic empowerment package aimed at driving long-term self-reliance. This includes the strategic expansion of accredited technical and vocational training programs tailored directly for persons with disabilities and albinism, designed to catalyse localized entrepreneurship and enhance formal employability.
Furthermore, authorities announced that a specialized provincial talent showcase will be hosted during the upcoming Disability Rights Awareness Month. This initiative will serve as an official launch pad for individuals to present their technological innovations, artistic talents, and emerging business concepts directly to investors and the public. To ensure these efforts carry tangible economic weight, the government confirmed that cooperative businesses owned and operated by people living with albinism will receive targeted financial and structural support during the 2026/27 financial year—a structural victory aimed at ensuring the Free State’s economic future is built on absolute inclusion.
