The future is… diverse. And model Sanele Xaba is at the forefront, changing the face of fashion 

From the streets of Durban to the runway at Amsterdam Fashion Week, international male model, activist, speaker, and law student Sanele Junior Xaba is breaking boundaries in the fashion industry. He has not only modelled for labels around the world but also spoken out about the continued tokenism faced by people living with albinism.  

But Sanele’s story is much more complex than the typical rags-to-riches tale. Living with albinism (a rare genetic disorder causing a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes) made growing up and fitting in difficult, especially in an African context, that is until he was scouted to be a model at the early age of 15.

NOT ALL BLACK AND WHITE
Modelling was never Sanele’s first choice of career; he aspired to be a competitive swimmer, but growing up in post-apartheid South Africa in a township meant that there were few opportunities for Sanele and his single mom Sithembisile. What made it even more difficult were the myths and stereotypes surrounding his condition (which are still very prevalent today).   

He was teased and bullied for his albinism to the point that a violent incident occurred and left Sanele with a scar on his forehead. “I feel like bullying is not taken as seriously as it should be in schools, and it has been normalised for way too long. Only now, in recent years, are we realising the severe effects it has on victims. There should be stringent measures put in place to deal with it because clearly calling the bullies to the principal’s office and trying to ‘talk sense into them’ doesn’t work,” Sanele says. “I think the uncomfortable conversations around the root causes of bullying behaviour need to be normalised, with aims to find better solutions.”

The activist-meets-model conducts motivational talks around South Africa and makes sure the NGO, Inside The Same, assists both victims of bullying and perpetrators, too. The NGO was founded in the Netherlands in 2015, but operates in Tanzania, where discrimination against those living with albinism is at its highest.

“I used to be shy because of all the negativity I experienced, but now I embrace my individuality as a person living with albinism,” the star expresses. “I want my success to motivate other people with this condition to dream big and not feel ashamed.”

STAR-STRUCK
Sanele’s situation changed drastically when a modelling agent scouted him at the annual Durban July horse-racing event in 2009. He was reluctant at first, but after learning that he could make some extra cash as a model, he decided to take the offer, and so his modelling journey began. Sanele soon gained a big local following and made his debut on the runway at the Durban fashion week modelling pieces by local designers, which resulted in him being featured in more campaigns.  

In a short space of time, Sanele discovered that there was a lack of diversity in the fashion and modelling industry, which opened a new avenue for him to bring about change. He went on to take on more work and became internationally recognised for his unique look. In 2017, Sanele made the big move to go and work in the Netherlands, where he signed up with a modelling agency.   

It was not all sunshine and rainbows, however, as Sanele soon had to deal with backlash online for his appearance. With his image highlighted online and the stigma around albinism still rife worldwide, it made the first few years of his career both challenging and a learning curve, but it also showed him the need for diversity even more. 

“I am passionate about what I do because I’ve used my modelling platform to globally educate people about albinism and destigmatise the condition”

WE’RE ALL HUMAN
He may be a stunning, fierce model and activist, but Sanele admits that some days are low and it’s hard to remain confident. “When I’m struggling with anything, I turn to breathing meditation and practise stillness”, he asserts. “Staying healthy and balanced plays a huge role in facing tougher days. So, I go to the gym four days a week, and maintain a good relationship with food by being cautious of what I consume. I’m also big on skin health, so investing in good skincare products is a must.”

As for the rest of 2023, Sanele plans on being more present, going after everything he loves and wants to achieve bigger things (he’s quite big on manifestation), and prioritising relationships that hold range for him to simply be human. “I just hope to be seen, heard and considered,” he says. And since it is Freedom Month after all, Sanele felt it would only be fitting to share one last message with the ClubX team and loyal readers, as he conveyed his plans to proudly celebrate this month in all its greatness.

“Freedom means being able to live on your terms. Freedom should renew your sense of agency; it enables you to do what you want, with who you want! “I get to enjoy a career that’s full of meaning and to create work based on skills that I love – this is liberating. And I want everyone to experience this level of freedom,” he says.

“But what I will say is that it takes years of self-determination and fighting for what you believe in to develop your sense of self which will, in turn, elevate your craft,” he continues. “It’s important that you do not romanticise the idea of ‘overnight success’ and taking the proverbial ‘victory lap’. Show up and do your best. Be the student over and over again. Remain humble and admit when you’re wrong. Grow organically and get really good. Hate your work, and then start over again… Whatever you decide to do, find new ways to express yourself and your ideas. Do not be afraid; the student becomes the master. Soon your time will come, and you will thrive.”

“It takes years of self-determination and fighting for what you believe in to develop your sense of self which will, in turn, elevate your craft,” he continues. “It’s important that you do not romanticise the idea of ‘overnight success’ and taking the proverbial ‘victory lap.’ Show up and do your best.”

RAPID FIRE Q&A 

Style must-haves:
Good, quality balloon jeans 

Favourite model:
Naomi Campbell 

Biggest pet peeve:
Loud chewing 

Hidden talent:
I can play the saxophone  

Dream collaboration:
Anything that involves being photographed by David LaChapelle!  

Three things you can’t live without:
My glasses, SPF50 sunscreen and money 

Words by Tarryn Wilson & Charndré Emma Kippie