The Face Of Change

Sanele Xaba, SA’s first male albino model, hopes his success will inspire others who are living with the condition.

- Siyabonga Kamnqa

PEOPLE stop to stare as he emerges from a cab in one of Cape Town’s busiest streets but he barely notices – he’s been gawked at for as long as he can remember.

But these days Sanele Xaba isn’t only turning the heads of curious strangers, he’s attracting attention from some of the top dogs in the modelling world and all eyes are on him as he strides confidently down the catwalks at international fashion shows.

The 22-year-old was named the face of the Bermuda International Collections last year – an initiative that showcases the talents of designers from around the world – and when we catch up with him he’s just returned from a show in Amster dam as part of the collection.

“Amsterdam is an amazing place,” he says enthusiastically. “I would love to be able to afford to buy a flat there.”

He divides his time between Cape Town and Europe and loves exploring new places, he says.

Sanele has taken centre stage in shows for top brands such as Adidas and Japanese fashion house Kapital Clothing and proudly declares he has “penetrated the international market”.

“I’m making a name for myself,” he adds.

Last year the born and bred Durbanite was nominated for male model of the year at the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards in Kampala, Uganda, showing he’s making his mark in Africa too.

Sanele is the first South African male model with albinism to crack the international scene and sometimes he still has to pinch himself to make sure he isn’t dreaming.

“It’s been a fantastic journey and I’ve been truly blessed,” he says. “It has boosted my confidence in a big way.