Every human experiences life changes at some point, whether they are good or bad. A well-known actress who starred in the Sarafina movie 31 years ago has been experiencing strange skin changes, and she defied the odds to accept them for good.
The main character in this exhilarating 1992 movie, played by Leleti Khumalo. Years after the movie, Sarafina’s skin turned white and wasn’t caused by bleaching. She was once a lovely young woman with gleaming chocolate skin.
Unless you are told that Sarafina is the one, it is difficult to recognize her face because she has undergone such drastic change. Leleti Khumalo, also known as Sarafina, was a naturally born brown-skinned child who lacked any white skin.
Why Her Skin Turned White
She had vitiligo, a condition that seriously undermines one’s sense of self. According to its definition, vitiligo is an auto-immune condition that is harmful to the skin and highly contagious.
Vitiligo currently has no known treatment. It can affect the skin, eyes, mouth, hands, and, in some cases, the entire body, turning the affected area white.
Unfortunately, Sarafina is going through this right now, and as a result of her body being destroyed by this condition, she now has white skin instead of black.
Registration Open
2026 BECE HOME MOCK
Professional Assessment from the Comfort of Your Home
Prepare your ward for the 2026 BECE with our specialized Home Mock series. Our marking and grading follow strict WAEC standards to ensure your child is ready for the real deal.
| ✅ Standard Questions based on the NACCA Curriculum. |
| ✅ Detailed Marking with examiner comments. |
| ✅ Result Analysis to identify weak areas. |
Secure Your Child's Future Today!
When pigment-producing cells die and pigment production stops, vitiligo develops. When this occurs, the skin gradually becomes paler and is permanently damaged.
Leleti claims that the first thing that occurred to her when she was 18 years old was that her leg started to turn white and that she noticed white spots on it.
She paid it no attention and had no idea it was a vitiligo symptom. The gifted actress, now 53, later got married, gave birth to triplets, but one of them passed away, leaving her with just two children.
She admitted that her current appearance is a result of an escalating skin condition brought on by pregnancy. She is advocating for body positivity and self-love by utilizing her condition.
Ghana Education News Editorial Team
Research • Journalism • Policy Analysis
The Ghana Education News Editorial Team is a specialized group of education researchers, journalists, and policy analysts dedicated to providing high-fidelity reports on the Ghanaian academic landscape. With over a decade of combined experience, our team serves as a primary bridge between official bodies like the GES and WAEC and the students, parents, and educators they serve.
Our Expertise & Mission
- National Examination Prep: Verified BECE/WASSCE trial questions and examiner reports.
- Policy Analysis: Breakdowns of GES recruitment, promotions, and payroll.
- Educational Resources: Step-by-step guides for university admissions and scholarships.
Have a story or want to advertise?
WhatsApp: 0550360658 | Email: stories@ghanaeducation.org
Related
