HrH Princess Eugene Majuru
Mount Hampden, Zimbabwe (News Of The South)- A chorus of concern has erupted in Parliament this week as Members of Parliament (MPs) finally addressed the alarming surge in the use of skin-lightening creams. While the dangers and prevalence of these products have been widely known for decades, particularly in communities with diasporic links to countries like Zimbabwe, where their harmful effects have been starkly visible, the sudden parliamentary attention has left many questioning the timing and sincerity of the newfound urgency.
“It can cause permanent complications, particularly when one wants to conceive,” one MP stated during a recent debate, echoing concerns that have been voiced by health professionals and community advocates for years. The shock expressed by some parliamentarians, however, rings hollow for many who recall a time, roughly two decades ago, when the severe consequences of these creams – often manifesting as visibly burnt and blackened skin – were a common sight.Some known MPs are also known to be using the skin lighteners as many people are desperate to be “yellow bone” (light skin).
Zimbabwe, under the leadership of the late President Robert Mugabe, had previously implemented a ban on skin-lightening products. However, following his death, these creams have reportedly flooded back into the market. Sources indicate they are readily available in Zimbabwean shops, including a prominent establishment at the Parkade on the corner of Julius Nyerere Way and Sam Nujoma Street, opposite the main post office in Harare.
The problem is further exacerbated by the open use and endorsement of these products by popular socialites, particularly female and some male comedians, who wield significant influence over their followers. This normalisation of skin lightening has prompted widespread concern, with reports even suggesting that some mothers are using these harmful creams on their children.
The dangers of skin-lightening creams are well-documented, ranging from severe skin damage, including thinning, scarring, and discolouration, to more serious health risks such as an increased risk of skin cancer. The link between certain ingredients and fertility issues has also been a long-standing concern.
Despite repeated highlighting of this issue in the media and direct alerts to MPs over the years, parliamentary action has been conspicuously absent until now. This delay has fueled accusations of negligence and a tendency to overlook critical issues until they reach crisis point.
Barbra Thompson of Mt Darwin said: “We’re encouraging the government to put in place laws because it’s causing a lot of havoc.
Murehwa North MP Noah Mangondo said the widespread availability and use of unregulated skin lightening products often containing hazardous substances such as mercury pose a significant risk to public health.
“Although Zimbabwe does have regulatory measures in place such as those articulated in Statutory Instrument 216 of 2019, harmful creams continue to find their way into both formal retail spaces and restrictions enforced by law enforcement remains weak,” he said.
Daniel Molokele-Tsiye, the Hwange Central MP, appears not to understand the damage he said:
“I want to encourage us to be very careful and as a country, we need to listen more to those who are doing the skin lightening or skin bleaching. We need to go into their psyche and understand what message they are trying to bring to the society. We should not make assumptions about their behaviour and conduct. We must respect their rights,” he argued.
Now that the issue has been raised in Parliament, the crucial questions remain:
What concrete actions will be taken to address this escalating problem?
Which government authorities will be held responsible for tackling the import, distribution, and sale of these harmful products?
What is the proposed plan of action to curb the use of skin-lightening creams and mitigate their damaging effects?
Will any measures be taken against social media influencers who actively promote and encourage the use of these products, potentially contributing to the harm?
The sudden parliamentary interest offers a glimmer of hope that tangible steps will finally be taken to protect public health. However, for communities who have witnessed the devastating consequences of skin lightening for decades, decisive and immediate action, rather than mere words, will be the true measure of the MPs’ commitment to addressing this long-standing crisis. The spotlight is now firmly on Parliament to translate their newfound alarm into meaningful change and prevent further harm.
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