Albinism: The Story Of Model Thando Hopa

In today’s article we will talk about a lesser known topic: the story of model Thando Hopa. Maybe you’ve seen on TV, met or know an albino person. As you already know, albinism is a congenital disorder characterized by a lack of pigment in the hair, skin and eyes.

Albinism can affect both humans and animals. It is not easy to be albino, and one of the geographical areas where this genetic malformation poses great difficulties is Africa. In this article, we present the story of the model Thando Hopa, a young albino black woman. 

The story of model Thando Hopa

Thando Hopa is a 24-year-old model and lawyer. He considers himself a lucky person, although being born albino in Africa is seen more as a curse. The young woman studied in Johannesburg, where she attracted the attention of those around her due to her delicate and unique features, superb both on stage and on the covers of magazines. Thando is one of the few albino black models in the world.

Thanks to his success and personal experiences, Thando Hopa chose to study law to voice the stigma and social drama attached to albinism in Africa, but little known in the rest of the world.

Albinism, a curse on the African continent

Surprising as it may seem, most cases of albinism are reported in Africa, especially in Tanzania. Specialists have not discovered the cause of this condition, but they suspect that it is related to the first European settlers settled in this area and their descendants. On this continent, the rate of albinism is 15% higher than in the rest of the world.

The story of the model Thando Hopa shows us that albinism in Africa is considered, first of all, a physical problem, then a social one. Due to the strong action of the sun’s rays and limited resources, many people suffering from this condition have become ill with skin cancer or have lost their sight. In addition, albino people in Africa are the target of ridicule from those around them.

Albinos are often called “Zeru-Zeru”, which means “child of the devil” or ghost. People believe that albinism is a curse blamed on parents, whose sins are reflected in the phantom pallor of their children. This belief leads to social ostracism and even abandonment.

Even worse, an albino living in Africa is considered a man of nothing, but a dead albino is as valuable as a diamond. Why? Certain tribes, social groups and healers in Africa believe that the blood or organs of an albino have magical healing properties. Albinism exposes affected people to a danger as great as that to which rhinos or ivory-clad elephants are subjected: many times they have been paid a lot of money to mutilate or kill an albino.

Torture and murder

It is a reality that has been brought to the public’s attention by many humanitarian organizations. Groups of armed men kidnap adults and children at night to cut off their hands and feet. In addition, many of these people are killed. Huge sums of money are paid for the limbs, blood or organs of bees. These facts are terrible, inhuman and unjust.

Because of this, albinism is truly a curse in Africa, which is why people like Thando Hopa want to be the voice of those who suffer. Many international organizations are trying to shed light on this horrific reality. It is an extremely serious problem, especially in Tanzania.

Despite the efforts of these people, many albino people die every year  – either as a result of these crimes against humanity, or because of heart or other problems associated with this condition. Sunburn, infections and cancer are some of the main threats.

Many children were forced to live without hands or feet. However, many of them have not lost their optimism, even if they are the victims of one of the most serious and profound stigmatizations in contemporary society.