Albinism: The Moving Case Of Model Thando Hopa

In this article we want to talk about a reality that is not well known. We are sure that, on more than one occasion, you have seen an albino person, or it is even possible that, in your social circle, you know someone albino. As is already known, albinism is a genetic disease characterized by hypopigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes.

This lack of melanin is joined by very serious skin diseases due to sun sensitivity. It’s not easy being albino, but it’s even worse to suffer from this genetic alteration on a continent like Africa. What happens is being denounced by a young model named Thando Hopa. She is the one who gives voice to this very terrible reality, and that we want to explain here.

The model Thando Hopa 

Thando Hopa  is 24 years old and, in addition to being a model, she is a lawyer. She considers herself fortunate, because being born with albinism in Africa is almost a curse.

He studied in Johannesburg, where he quickly began to attract attention for his delicate and striking physique, which shone so much on the catwalks and on the covers of magazines. Thando is one of the few albino models that exist in the world.

Perhaps it was because of its success and its repercussions that he chose to study law, to give voice to the social drama taking place in Africa and that many are unaware of.

The curse of being albino in Africa

You will be surprised to learn that Africa is one of the continents with the most albinos. Especially in Tanzania.

Experts do not know the specific causes of this phenomenon, but it is suspected that it may be due to consanguinity and to the peoples from Europe who were able to reach this area of ​​the African continent. In Africa, the population of albinos is 15% higher than in the rest of the world.

As Thando Hopa explains, being an albino in Africa presupposes, first of all, a physical problem and then a social drama. Due to the harshness of the sun and scarce resources, many people suffer from skin cancer and blindness due to lack of protection. Added to that, they must face the contempt of the rest of the people.

The albinos are called “Zeru-Zeru”, meaning the devil’s son or ghosts. It is thought that albinism is the result of a sin committed by the parents in establishing a diabolical pact, whose marks are reflected in the paleness of their children. Hence the disgust and the fact that many mothers even abandon their children.

A live albino is worthless, however, a dead albino is as valuable as a diamond. The reason? Numerous ethnic groups, African social groups and village wizards think that an albino’s blood and organs have magical or healing properties.

As with albinism, something similar happens with the awful reality of rhino horns or elephant ivory: they pay huge sums for them and there is no doubt when it comes to mutilating and even killing.

The reality of albinism in Africa

It is an unfortunate reality denounced by countless humanitarian organizations. It is common for groups of armed men to appear in the middle of the night willing to maim or even kill albino children and adults.

Huge amounts are paid for their blood and organs. Therefore, unscrupulous people guided by this absurdity do not hesitate to commit these atrocious acts.

Albinism in Africa is a veritable curse, which is why people like Thando Hopa voice this drama. In addition, many international organizations try to provide social coverage for these people who, especially in Tanzania, are in danger.

Despite this, it is known that every year many albino people die, either from the attack of these heartless people, or even from problems related to their disease that are not adequately attended to. Skin burns, infected wounds and cancer tend to be the main problems.

Today, there are many children who, for example, must learn to live without their feet or hands. Many do not lose their smiles, although, in certain cases, being different and special can be the worst stigma in certain societies.