A student has revealed how she's been bullied online because she's albino - but has rarely faced similar bullying in real life.
Nontobeko Mbuyazi was born with the condition, which results in very pale skin and visual impairment, but has defied the trolls, who call her a 'ghost' to pursue a modelling career.
She is studying to be a Criminologist at University - Nontobeko frequently shares her photoshoot images on social media.
Despite her self-confident captions and hashtags of being proud of her skin, people have tormented the 20-year-old, branding her a 'ghost.'
However she is determined not to let any bullies bring her down, and wants other albino people to love themselves too.
Nontobeko said: 'I am an albino and despite my differences, I have found the confidence to start modelling.
'People online tell me I look like a ghost online, asking where my eyebrows are, and why am I so pale.
'In real life I have never experienced that kind of bullying before, it's only ever online. Cyber bullying has made me doubt myself at times, it's made me question whether I am beautiful or not.
'But instead of bringing me down, it's actually ended up doing the opposite..
'It's made me stand up for myself and because of that, it has made me want to be a better person.
She adds: 'Ironically, it has boosted my confidence. I think I am beautiful and my skin is beautiful.
'Many albinos out there are experiencing depression because of being discriminated against and bullied. I refuse to be one, I am the one that is proud of who I am.'
The criminology student lives in Durban, South Africa, but was born in small town Ladysmith.
Nontobeko said: 'People on social media who judge me need to know that albinism is not a disease, it is just a skin condition.
'When I go out I can get kind compliments from strangers. I love the attention I get, especially from children. I think I have a very bubbly personality that people can't help but fall in love with too.'
She claims it was a struggle growing up as one because of the dangers she faced.
She was not allowed to play in the sun, as sun burn can cause albinos to have skin cancer and eye problems.
She added: 'When I was growing up I wasn't allowed to play in the sun with any of the children, which was extremely hard.
'I also had to wear a hat at all times and I hated it.
'I also have poor vision because of it, but I'm not going to dwell on the negatives. I am what I am, so I just want to continue life.
'I have many people ask to take photos with me, and I actually love that kind of attention, it makes me feel special.
'Albinos are beautiful and I want them all to know that, they can be whatever they want to be.'
Music: "Universal" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Source: Daily Mail, Instagram
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