Albino Woman defies bullies to become a model, encourages other women to be strong and stand against online bullies

 

20 year old Nontobeko Mbuyazi, was born with albinism, a situation that results in very pale skin and visual impairment.

She is studying to be a Criminologist at University and has also been modeling.

She claims she faces discrimination on her social media for her unusual looks.

Despite being proud of her skin, people describe her as a 'ghost.'

Mbuyazi who is determined not to let any bullies bring her down said: "I am an albino and despite my differences, I have found the confidence to start modelling.

 

"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.

The criminology student lives in Durban, South Africa, but was born in small town Ladysmith.

Nontobeko said:  "People on social media who judge me need to know that albinism is not a disease, it is just a skin condition.

"Since I've started modelling, I think I get the jobs because of my pale skin.

"People that are rude to albinos just want to feel better about themselves by making us feel bad.

The 20 year old model described her experience when she went to the hospital she said: 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.

She advises other people with the same skin problem, she said: "I want all the albinos out there who feel like they are not good enough because of bullying, to know that they are beautiful.

"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.

Having booked photoshoots and developed a presence on social media to express herself – the 20-year-old is now more confident than ever.

photo credit:Provided by Caters News Agency Ltd