Refilwe Modiselle celebrates albinism book on Johannesburg billboards

JOHANNESBURG

Actress Refilwe Modiselle has celebrated her children’s book “Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes” being featured on two major billboards in Johannesburg. The book promotes acceptance of albinism through its young protagonist.

Released on June 28, the book follows Zizi, “a confident young girl living with albinism”. Modiselle aims to teach children about self-acceptance and kindness through the character’s journey.

On Instagram, Modiselle expressed surprise at the billboard placements: “I married a pen to paper & gave birth to a book #ZizisWorld. But little did I imagine this incredibly special book, ‘Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes’, that’s the first of its kind for education, would have not ONE, but TWO billboards all thanks to @mustard_outdoor. 1. Soweto Entrance Nasrec. 2. Albertina Sisulu and Joe Slovo Bridge.”

She acknowledged her team’s support: “This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people that jumped onto this with so much dedication & love… This goes beyond Black Excellence!!!!” The timing coincided with International Literacy Day, prompting her message: “CHILDREN, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE THROUGH PURPOSE!” (Instagram posts)

Singer Nandi Madida praised the achievement: “Everything! Thank you for doing this! So many kids will benefit from what you have just done. Bless you sis. Congrats!” Modiselle’s sister Bontle Modiselle added: “I’ve been crying since Sunday. I love you and I’m so proud of you, and our little Zizi.”

Modiselle told The Citizen she wrote the book in under a month to fill representation gaps. She stated: “I’ve never seen a child with albinism in a book. I wanted the story to speak to both children and adults in a way that’s simple but meaningful.” (The Citizen interview)

The billboards mark a significant step for inclusive children’s literature in South Africa.