If there is one thing that any proud black African will tell you, it’s that they are really proud of their melanin. It gives us a sense of identity and purpose on this earth. And while many have suffered by virtue of the color of their skin, it remains to be a source of pride.
It is for these reasons that it always comes as a surprise when we learn that one of our own has decided to bleach their skin and embrace a much lighter shade. And while it remains to be a concept that is largely frowned upon, some of our Zalebs here in Mzansi are of the belief that at the end of the day, white is right.
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Khanyi Mbau
At the top of the list is none other than Khanyi Mbau who has we all know decided to bleach her skin way back when before she was still a big shot in the industry. As you can already imagine, this did not sit so well with many of her fans and the rest of the country who could not understand why she had decided to abandon her beautiful dark skin.
That however did not stop Khanyi. In fact she has always been an advocate of skin lightening and continues to share her journey with her fans on her social media, giving the tips of the right products to use and how to use them. Clearly no one was ever going to sway her off this journey and despite what people say, she has chosen to go along with it because sis is a queen and Queens have never needed anyone’s approval.
Read also: Khanyi Mbau On Her Skin Lightening Journey
Kelly Khumalo
The songstress has time and time again made headlines for her dope hitmakers and of course for her ever beautiful glowing skin. It was not that long ago when her vocal highness took to her social media to share the secret of her flawless skin.
As you can already imagine, many had believed that it was either she was pregnant or that she had a new man in her life. It therefore came as a huge shock when she revealed that she had been using a skin lightening cream and pills to keep her skin ever glowing.
It was and still is a mystery as to why Kelly would bleach her skin but one thing that is for sure is that just like Khanyi, Kelly has never shied away as to how or why she decided to bleach her skin and that confidence is why we keep loving her.
Sorisha Naidoo
Ever since she scooped the Miss India SA title back in 2002, there is no denying that Sorisha has been on quite an unstoppable roll. Little did we know however that things were not as rosy as they seemed.
Speaking as to why she went on a skin lightening journey, Sorisha shared that the Indian community has always frowned upon a darked skinned woman taking the title as Miss India. It was then that she decided to embark on this very risky journey so that she could get accepted as the queen that she was. Speaking to Drum magazine Sorisha said,
I have never shared this, but those comments really hurt me and damaged my self-esteem. I knew I was worthy to be crowned because I’m intelligent. And after so much that our country had gone through in terms of racial discrimination, I was shocked people didn’t think a dark girl deserved to win.
The Real Housewives of Durban actress has continued to wow her fans with her great acting skills and we are happy to see that she has been able to overcome her insecurities and is living life to the fullest.
Mshoza
The late Nomasonto Maswanganyi who was popularly known as Mshoza is also yet another celebrity who embraced skin lightening. The Kwaito star even did a documentary on MTV Base Africa highlighting her skin lightening journey which of course landed her in hot soup with Black Twitter.
If you can remember, she even at one time debuted her epic transformation that had her looking like American rapper Nicki Minaj and let’s just say that Mzansi was ready to cancel her right there and then. The whole procedure was quite expensive and many were still in shock as to whether or not it was all necessary.
But just like the rest of these Zalebs that did not stop her from pursuing what she wanted and she remains one of the most acclaimed music stars Mzansi has ever seen. May her soul continue resting in peace.
Read also: Kwaito Star Mshoza Has Passed On
Thando Thabethe
Yes, while this may come as a shock to many, you will be more surprised to learn that this media personality has at one point or the other been accused of bleaching her skin. Time and time again, the actress has had to prove that she has not bleached her skin color but it seems that tweeps never learn.
It got so bad that this one time, she had to reveal her baby photos so that she could show Mzansi that her lighter skin shade has always been there from the moment she was a child. Bleached or not, we still love her either way.
Read also: Thando Thabethe Responds To Bleaching Claims
Guess being in the limelight has its perks and its disadvantages as well. Still, we are happy to see that each of these Zalebs have embraced who they are no matter what anyone says or thinks.
