From the archives: This story was last updated in March 2019.
This young woman has taken the modeling world by storm. With her chiseled features, alabaster skin, and a mass of curls to die for, her looks have brought stirred up controversy online.Model Nontobeko Mbuyazi, from Durban, South Africa, is an albino, and she says she is often the target of cyberbullying online, with some trolls branding her a “ghost.” Others ask her why her skin is so pale, but in real life, she hasn’t faced such discrimination.
“I am an albino and despite my differences, I have found the confidence to start modeling,” Nontobeko said. “People online tell me I look like a ghost online, asking where my eyebrows are, and why am I so pale.
“In real life I have never experienced that kind of bullying before, it’s only ever online. Cyber bullying has made me doubt myself at times, it’s made me question whether I am beautiful or not.
“But instead of bringing me down, it’s actually ended up doing the opposite.
“It’s made me stand up for myself and because of that, it has made me want to be a better person.”
Nontobeko Mbuyazi was born with the condition, which results in very pale skin and visual impairment but has defied the trolls, who call her down to pursue a modeling career.
Although she is studying to be a criminologist at university, Nontobeko frequently shares her photo shoot images on social media. Despite her self-confident captions and hashtags of being proud of her skin, people have tormented the then-20-year-old. However, she is determined not to let any bullies bring her down and wants other albino people to love themselves, too.
Growing up in Ladysmith, South Africa, Mbuyazi didn’t face discrimination, thanks, in large parts, to her bubbly personality. She adds, “Ironically, it has boosted my confidence. I think I am beautiful and my skin is beautiful.
“Many albinos out there are experiencing depression because of being discriminated against and bullied. I refuse to be one, I am the one that is proud of who I am.”
“People that are rude to albinos just want to feel better about themselves by making us feel bad. A few months ago I was at the hospital with my other albino friend, and we were sat down together and giggling.
“Suddenly some people started calling us a different kind, and asked if we were some sort of other species. Other than that one instance at the hospital, I’ve actually been amazed at how nice people can be to me in real life. When I go out I can get kind compliments from strangers. I love the attention I get, especially from children. I think I have a very bubbly personality that people can’t help but fall in love with too.”
Albinism causes very pale skin, which burns very easily, meaning Mbuyazi spent much of her childhood covered up.
Despite a torrent of online abuse being hurled her way on social media, she claims she has come out even stronger.
Having booked photo shoots and developed a presence on social media to express herself, she is now more confident than ever.
Nontobeko said, “People on social media who judge me need to know that albinism is not a disease, it is just a skin condition.”
Model agencies have snapped up the chance to work with Mbuyazi.
Although Nontobeko is proud to be an albino, she claims it was a struggle growing up as one because of the dangers she faced.
The young model is trying to raise awareness to help other albinos remember to stay away from the sun, which can be particularly dangerous for sufferers with the condition.
“When I was growing up I wasn’t allowed to play in the sun with any of the children, which was extremely hard. I also had to wear a hat at all times and I hated it. I want all the albinos out there who feel like they are not good enough because of bullying, to know that they are beautiful.”
Nontobeko added, “But they must not forget to keep themselves away from the sun as it can be very dangerous. I also have poor vision because of it, but I’m not going to dwell on the negatives. I am what I am, so I just want to continue life. I have many people ask to take photos with me, and I actually love that kind of attention, it makes me feel special.”
“My dad was a bit shocked but he accepted me,” she added.
Growing up, the aspiring model had to watch her friends play in the sunshine while she remained covered up.
“Since I’ve started modeling, I think I get the jobs because of my pale skin. It doesn’t make me any different from anyone else.”
She says the abuse at the hands of trolls has “boosted my confidence. I think I am beautiful and my skin is beautiful.”
Mbuyazi, posing with an albino friend, says she’s optimistic about her future.
“Albinos are beautiful and I want them all to know that, they can be whatever they want to be,” she said.
Mbuyazi is now a part-time model too.
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