Please don’t refer to us as “albino”, it’s very derogatory!”

These are the words uttered by the media personality when she advised a tweep on how to respect people living with the skin condition.

Refilwe Modiselle has had enough of people who constantly get it wrong when it comes to referring to people living with albinism. Most people seem to get it wrong so they use the derogatory term ‘albino.’The media personality who has been in the industry for almost two decades has had enough of people who disrespect her and people alike for their skin colour.

It all started when a Tweep announced that she was looking for models living with albinism, “Do you guys know of any albino models in SA.”Please don’t refer to us as “albino” it’s very derogatory. Come correct please it’s person(s) with albinism. Correct referral is models with albinism. Thanks for coming to my #TedTalk,” Refilwe said.
Refilwe first started as a model at the age of 13. In an interview on Afternoon Express, Refilwe revealed that she had to make a number of changes throughout her journey.

“At thirteen I didn’t realize that I would be a model, or let alone be the start to what I had set out for my future and my destiny, so thirteen, I was just a child playing in front of the camera, but only to find that the bug would bite me in my tertiary years, because I had to stop…”

She revealed that she has been mocked for her skin colour, but through it all, she sees Albinism as a blessing. A few years back, Refilwe tweeted “Being born with albinism is such a blessing I wouldn’t change how God placed me onto this earth! The joy of just being unique! Yess!!!She always knows how to clap back at trolls who come at her sideways for her skin condition. When one of her followers made a comment about albinism being better than bleaching one’s skin, Refilwe replied: “Speaking of accepting myself dear albinism has nothing to do with bleach. Not even necessary to bring it up.”

She also dedicates her time to help people with albinism especially children. The actress is doing her best to help children who are suffering with poor eye-sight, due to having albinism. Refilwe called upon low vision specialists, optometrist or brands to partner up with to give spectacles when possible, to kids with albinism from disadvantaged situations who can’t afford to purchase them themselves.