Ayanda Candice Sibanda, model, activist and law student at the University of Zimbabwe, is the founder of the Ayanda Candice Foundation, which advocates for albinism and girls’ rights, as well as the founder of Zimbabwe’s Outstanding Teen.
Having experienced her equitable proportion of prejudice because of having a different skin colour, her foundation specifically raises fund for suncream and protective UV clothing for those with Albinism.
“Her positive attitude and no-nonsense approach towards prejudice is helping her succeed in her career and life in general. This has driven her to continue pushing for the end of deceptive cultural beliefs that have tarnished the appearance of albinism in the African society for centuries,” wrote Grant Moyo in the Standard of March 2020.
In the same piece, it was revealed that she had a rude awakening in primary school as she was regularly asked questions she could not answer about her skin pigment.
“I discovered in primary school that I was different when other kids started asking me questions like, ‘Are your parents white? Why is your brother black?’ My teachers would make me sit in front because I was short-sighted, and then I started questioning all these occurrences. It was painful being the only child in a school of 1 500 pupils who looked different, and people made fun of me. At a very young age, I had children of my age asking me questions like, ‘What happens to you when you die? When will you turn black again? What happens if I beat you? Why is it you and your sister are different from the rest of your family, are you from another planet?’ I had sisters and mothers who told their children and siblings not to play with me. I had relatives who pretended to like me. I was overwhelmed with confusion, I never really knew who honestly cared about me,” she told Grant.
Ayanda first got recognition in the modelling industry in 2018 when she won the most promising model gong at the Summer Fashion and Style Awards.
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In 2019, she was crowned Miss Albinism Zimbabwe and was second runner-up in the Miss Teen Zimbabwe.
Now an exceptional young woman who is strong, and influential motivational speaker, and humanitarian activist, she uses her platforms to dispel myths and superstitions that surround albinism and uses modelling and beauty pageantry to bring more attention to these issues. Her striking beauty has caught the attention of many outlets, brands and she has walked on several pageant shows and won a fair number of accolades.
“I have told myself that I am equally capable as the next model. Whichever designer, photographer or promoter who will exercise prejudice will miss out on an opportunity to work with this wonderful, hardworking individual. I have also made it a point to bring out my very best when I get a modelling gig,” she said.
Her passion for art and creativity has also drawn her into the world of acting and music videos.
Editorial: This month, #enthuse, through our #SheCreatesMarch feature series, celebrates the work of thirty-one Zimbabwean women creatives, the contributions and achievements they have made throughout history, culture, and society. The idea is to elevate visibility for commercial projects and commissions. Discover the work of avant-garde creatives who embody the spirit of the month by uplifting and empowering women. Representing diverse backgrounds and disciplines, these women share one thing in common: their dedication to supporting women and sharing their stories through art and creativity. We are thrilled to share their work. And this month is about them. #ChooseToChallenge
