Albinism Is Not A Hedge

Living the Dream

Submitted by: Maphalla Khomotso 

Meet Maphalla Khomotso (16), living her dream in spite of living with Albinism. She was born with albinism congenital absence of pigment in the skin and hair (albinism often causes problems with the eyes). But this has not stopped her from living her best life.

Maphalla Khomotso was born on 23rd October 2004, she grew up in 'Burgersfort inside Limpopo. After her birth, she was told to stay indoors. And sometimes, she would be permitted to play in the yard because, rays of the sunlight can damage their skin.

Living with albinism is not an easy condition where, pupils will tease her saying that: "She's umlungu (meaning that she's white)". However, it took time for her and her mother to have a serious conversation. Surprisingly, her mother told her baby that: "It's not about the color, it's all about the love, she has for her child."

Maphalla was then taught to accept her condition as, her mother did. And, it wasn't easy for her to accept it. As times goes, Maphalla's mother told Khomotso that; she loves her the way she is.

At the age of 6, she was sent to a school nearby home. The school is called 'Tšherweng primary school'. However, she schooled for only one month which, was January. And, in February. She was sent to a new school called 'Bosele Special school'. Maphalla is lively, intelligent young woman.

In grade 2 (2012), she started to discover her first talent which, was singing. For her to discover her first talent was seeing herself engaging in the school choir (infants). Since then, she practically fell-in-love with singing.

In grade 6 (2016), she then discovered her second talent of being an Actress.  Since 2016, she made a choice of combining her two talents, to achieve her goals.

Late in 2016, she got featured on a school play, and it was about an Awareness of HIV. And she stared as a bad-friend, who gives negative advices.

The most exciting news was that; Department of Arts and Culture were there, witnessing the school play. They then requested the pupils to portray second play as, they loved the school to enter into the Drama competitions. That was held in Cape Town.

The second play was about two clans: the bapedi and mandevele. In the second play, she stared as king's daughter.  2017, she then completed her primary school and in 2018, she was sent to a new school called Filadelfia Secondary School LSEN.

Last year, Maphalla got into the third-school play which, was directed by Mthimunye Thokozani. And late last year, she became a director of a successful book called What Is Love? And What Happens After?: The Pure Heart. And, she attended her first audition for a local movie called Uchoyo, and she was selected for this movie. She stared as Lebo, who's a school girl that doesn't like schooling and she would complain about anything surrounding her. And this year, Uchoyo got released.

Communities in Limpopo and Gauteng are taking notice of the young Actress, and she can be seen on social media platforms regularly. Inspiring and bringing joy to all she comes into contact with.

Let her tell you in her own words:

“Living with albinism is not at all easy because, we've got to face challenges. And sometimes, you might feel like you're not wanted. But, I am glad that I've the support from my family and friends, as they doesn't make me feel like an outsider.

I am planning to use my talents to reach the milestones. One of my biggest achievement, is being in the cast of the local movie called Uchoyo. And again, I'll would love to say thank you to Maluleke Blessing for giving me an opportunity on, exploring more in acting".

She wrote this special note:

 “To my Mokwena Sagwadi Independent Publishing House family,

Thank you, and always remember to never let you're background determines your future. Always know that you're capable to achieve anything, as long as you put your mind to it".

Edited By: Mokwena Sagwadi 

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