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But behind the spotlight, she has carried a deeply personal journey with vitiligo, a skin condition that has reshaped not only her appearance but also her understanding of beauty, resilience, and self-acceptance. For the first time, the veteran actress opens up to GLAMOUR about her story, one of pain, transformation, and ultimately, empowerment. In conversation, Khumalo reflects on the fear and isolation she once felt, the courage it took to return to her craft, and the power of redefining beauty standards on her own terms.
GLAMOUR: This is the first time you openly speak about your journey with vitiligo, why did you think it was time to share your story?
Leleti Khumalo: Dove made it easy to share my story, they said they are looking for beauty that defies standards, they want authentic beauty, not the typical ideal and that deeply resonated with me, and it felt safe for me to finally share my journey. This also comes with the aim to inspire and teach other people about skin conditions, specifically vitiligo.
GLAMOUR: Can you take us back to your first diagnosis or the first time you noticed a change in your body skin, and how did that make you feel?
Leleti Khumalo: It started with small patches, and at first, I thought it was the end of me. I visited a GP, and surprisingly, they said it could be treated. So, I began treatment, which involved intense light therapy. The process was painful—the light would burn my skin, leaving it bright red and tender. I had to go twice a week, and I remember thinking I should stop. The patches kept returning every few days, and the pain didn’t seem worth it. Eventually, I realised that the treatment wasn’t actually curing anything—it was more about business than healing.
In the midst of it all, I began to seriously consider having children. My Gynecologist told me that the vitiligo would likely spread all over my body once I became pregnant and asked if I was ready for that. I said yes, not truly understanding what lay ahead.
GLAMOUR: Did you feel emotionally prepared to cope with the significant physical changes?
Leleti Khumalo: I thought I was ready, but I definitely wasn’t. After becoming pregnant with my twins, it took about three to four months before the condition started to worsen. I remember telling my husband that I didn’t want to see anyone. I resigned from work, stopped attending events, and just wanted to stay at home and adjust to this new body, this skin condition that was taking over. It was a difficult time, but it was a journey I had to go through for self-acceptance.
GLAMOUR: Do you think your appearance impacted your ability to secure jobs after returning to work?
Leleti Khumalo: Yes, this industry can be harsh. When it was time to return to work, I went to audition after audition, but nothing was happening. I knew it was because of the changes in my skin. Sometimes, I’d coverup with layers of makeup. I remember having a heart-to-heart conversation with my husband, pouring out all my insecurities. I asked him if he still loved me unconditionally or if he was staying with me out of obligation, especially now that we had children. And he gave me a wake-up call. He reassured me of his love and reminded me that my condition wasn’t debilitating. He pointed out that I was lucky to still have my health and abilities. His words helped me accept and embrace my new reality. That’s when I got my first callback.
I decided to take a bold step and approach the producers. I asked if I could play my character without hiding my skin condition, and together, we created a storyline around vitiligo, breaking the misconception that it’s a curse. That was when true Self-Acceptance began. Honestly, it’s still a struggle. Even now, I catch glimpses of my reflection and see the young Leleti I once was, not the person I am today. It’s a day-by-day healing process, and I’m still learning to be okay with it.
GLAMOUR:Has your own experience with vitiligo altered your definition of beauty?
Leleti Khumalo: The diagnosis sparked a beauty revolution within me. I now celebrate the beauty of complexities in black skin and, despite occasional self-doubt, I'm reminded of my worth through constant affirmations, The other day my son said “Mama you are so special” and I asked why and he said because there is no one quite like you, and that was such a beautiful moment to remind me of my journey and accept myself for who I am and set an example for the next generation. I am deeply concerned about children who face bullying due to vitiligo. As someone who understands their struggles, I feel compelled to support and protect these young ones.
GLAMOUR: What do you think is the biggest misunderstanding about vitiligo that needs to be addressed?
Leleti Khumalo: Often, people fear or reject what they don't understand. They assume there's something inherently wrong with it. But I've learned to be patient and educate others about my vitiligo, helping them see beyond their initial reactions
GLAMOUR: What lessons learned would you share with your younger self, navigating the ups and downs of vitiligo?
Leleti Khumalo: Embrace change, for it brings Wisdom And Growth. Don't fear the unknown; view it as an opportunity for self-discovery and evolution and after all change is beautiful.
Issued on Glamour (South Africa) by Sindeka Mandoyi | https://www.glamour.co.za/lifestyle/women-in-charge/women-in-charge-an-exclusive-conversation-with-leleti-khumalo-on-vitiligo-and-self-acceptance-e43998a6-b4a7-4d07-8d7f-4dc46520b8c4
