Katlego Sekhu
South African media personality Refilwe Modiselle is adding another title to her résumé: published author.
With deep pride, Modiselle announced the release of her debut children’s book, Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes.
Taking to social media, Refilwe shared that writing a book had long felt like an intimidating dream.
That changed when destiny met opportunity, and she partnered with Lingua Franca Publishers.
“This wasn’t just about writing a book, it was an intentional labour of love,” she shared, explaining that Zizi’s World is about much more than storytelling.
“It’s about teaching children to embrace differences, understand albinism, reject bullying, practise self-love, and live with empathy, respect, and inclusion.”
Modiselle, who has broken numerous barriers as a person living with albinism in the entertainment and fashion industries, describes this project as deeply personal.
She said the book fills a crucial gap in South Africa’s literary landscape, especially within the school curriculum, where inclusive narratives remain scarce.
“THE FIRST OF ITS KIND,” she wrote in all caps, “a heartfelt body of work, written by the subject living in those exact shoes.”
She added that she hopes the book will inspire not only a culture of reading among young children but also foster emotional intelligence and awareness around diversity.
Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes is set to officially launch on Saturday, 28 June 2025, with an in-store book signing planned for the day.
Refilwe encouraged parents and adults to get a copy.
“I hope you get a piece of this magic for your kids. And adults, trust me, you too can take something valuable,” she said.
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