Bhut Malumz Publications

Mikhulu Zazi is a 17-year-old living with vitiligo, and this is his story.

Vitiligo is a condition in which the melanocytes, and the pigment cells of the skin, are destroyed causing affected areas to turn pale. It is often seen as patches of white skin.

It started in 2013 on my neck when I was doing Grade 3. My mom had vitiligo on her hands when she was young but it now covers the smallest part of her hands. She realised that I have it too, and it was spreading. Then we went to different doctors who could help but they all failed. It was just a waste of money because I took treatment that was not even slighly effective for my skin.

From 2014-2017, Zazi’s vitiligo was at its peak spread. It spread to his back, thighs, head, and eyes. His cousins, friends, and schoolmates called him “Black & White” which shut his self-esteem to the deepest pit. His mother comforted him throughout the trolls that knocked him down. Although his father cared less about ask about his biggest insecurity. It was in 2019 when he retained his facial skin tone.

From 2014-2017, Zazi’s vitiligo was at its peak spread. It spread to his back, thighs, head, and eyes. His cousins, friends, and schoolmates called him “Black & White” which shut his self-esteem to the deepest pit. His mother comforted him throughout the trolls that knocked him down. Although his father cared less about ask about his biggest insecurity. It was in 2019 when he retained his facial skin tone. His neck was the one part of his body that displayed much vitiligo.

Zazi’s self-esteem was dragged to a point that he couldn’t walk shirtless in his own home. He feared being laughed at as “Black & White”. Lilitha Matshoba and Yonwaba Mrwebi became Zazi’s huge support system. They talked him out the insecurity he tied himself with. It was the hardest thing to do for Zazi, but finally, by 2020, he started taking pictures. This year he took it upon himself to own his big scar and strive. He remains positive about himself and is comfortable in his skin.

They(people living with vitiligo) must be proud of themselves, embrace their uniqueness and not fake themselves because at the end of the day they are normal and we people are different and none of us is perfect.