During a month dedicated to raise awareness of various chronic diseases, national power producer Eskom pays special attention to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a chronic illness that remains largely misunderstood and underdiagnosed in South Africa.
A number of days in January in the international and national calendars have been set aside to raise awareness of chronic diseases such as skin cancer and leprosy. As part of its community development initiatives, Eskom hosted the Eskom Joy & Jewels fundraising event in Midrand, Johannesburg to raise funds to promote awareness of Lupus and support for those who are affected by the disease on the 25th of January.
Lupus is a chronic disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue, with common symptoms such as inflammation and damage to joints, skin and kidneys. As a disease, Lupus is determined by genetic factors and cannot be transmitted. But it remains on the back foot because at present there is no real cure for it and those suffering from it are often stigmatised.
At the Eskom Joy & Jewels fundraising event, funds have been raised through the sale of tables, tickets, an auction, sponsorship packages, product placements and table branding. Proceeds of the fundraising will be donated to The Lupus Foundation South Africa, a not-for-profit organisation established to support people affected and to raise awareness about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Eskom decided to highlight the plight of the people affected by this illness, and called on citizens to help raise awareness of this disease. Eskom Foundation acting CEO Cecil Ramonotsi says the Eskom Joy & Jewels fundraising event is part of the Foundation’s community development initiatives which have helped many people in the seven years it’s been in existence.
“As a corporate citizen, Eskom has always been at the forefront of community development through the support of various initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable people. This year we decided to focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a disease that seems mysterious to many people. We believe that through awareness, education and support we can help many people better understand Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and eliminate stigma,” says Ramonotsi.
Lupus Erythematosus, a disease that seems mysterious to many people. We believe that through awareness, education and support we can help many people better understand Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and eliminate stigma,” says Ramonotsi.
“The Lupus Foundation South Africa aims to create a platform where doctors, nurses and all interested parties engage and look for solutions to treat and manage this disease. It has been proven that early detection and treatment of symptoms can control flare-ups and prevent damage to organs. I therefore urge all South Africans to continue supporting this initiative,” Ramonotsi says.
Sibongile Komati, founder and director of The Lupus Foundation South Africa, says she hopes the initiative by Eskom will encourage many other companies to support this great cause. “Lupus is a condition that many people know little about, yet it has such devastating consequences. The objective of this foundation is to share and invite as many sufferers and supporters as possible to become integrally involved in educating all affected,” she says.
“In South Africa, there is no extensive research being done on Lupus. As a result, there is no official record of how many people suffer from the disease. In the USA it has been reported that one in five women has Lupus,” says Komati.
For more information and to support the Lupus Foundation South Africa, please contact Sibongile Komati on [email protected] or call 082 564 7803.