Albinism could not stop Thembiso Nemutanzhela from achieving what she set out to do in life. People with albinism were in some communities regarded as outcasts but Thembiso, from Thohoyandou, has successfully proven that hard work is the only key to success. “I am a human being like everyone because I was created by God. The fact that I have the albinistic condition does not make me different from other community members…” Despite all the odds, Thembiso is making a name for herself in the local gospel music industry and she is also paving her way to educational success. She is the lead singer of the group Miracle Christian Church Worship Team and she is a first-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Johannesburg. While growing up in a highly religious family, her parents always reminded her that she was their beautiful gift from God. “My father, Pastor Jonathan Nemutanzhela, and my mother, Grace, told me that they thanked God because He had given them a wonderful gift in me. The conditions under which one grows up are very important in either building or destroying one’s confidence. Although some kids looked down upon me at school, my parents’ words built up my confidence and I faced life with pride until I had become what I am today. People should stop looking down upon us because we have the ability of making things happen like anyone else …” The first-born daughter of four kids in her family, Thembiso says she is proud of her albinism because God had a reason for bringing her in this world. “I’m proud and beautiful and I thank God for bringing me into this world. I am confident of achieving more in life despite my albinism. I will always work hard to prove my critics wrong who think albinism is a stumbling block to success…” Thembiso’ sweet voice and flexible dancing skills have earned her respect whenever she performs in live shows. “I fell in love with music at an early age and I persevered until the recording of our album, Thandululo, which has been received well in the market. People kept on telling me that I could sing and I later took music seriously, hence everyone loves my music …” She encourages other community members with albinism to stop hiding themselves and show the world that they are gifted. “We have to use our talents effectively and forget about albinism. We must never forget to go to school because education is the only foundation for prosperity. I will never give up in life because I know I am capable of achieving more than what is expected from me …” Thembiso says she is equally surprised and disappointed by people who look at her with sympathy. “Why feel sorry for me because there is nothing wrong with me? Albinism is just a skin condition, but all in all, we are all human beings …”