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- Refilwe Modiselle wears many hats but is at the heart of who she is is a storyteller passionate about telling stories that inspire others to live authentically.
- She recently shared the stories of dear people in her life and how they have contributed to her journey of success.
- The White Gold actor tells W24 about her innate ability to tell stories and the importance of having people who believe in her, especially the women in her life.
Actress, TV, and radio host Refilwe Modiselle proudly calls herself Africa's first model with albinism. Throughout her years in showbiz, she has been able to break protocol by redefining beauty standards and stereotypes around albinism, among others.
She's never afraid to defend what she believes in, and this always makes her dip her fingers into meaningful heartwork.
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She recently shared stories about the people who are dear to her during as part of a Metropolitan digi-series called #MyPeopleMyEverything.
"Some of those people include our housekeeper Ausi Motshilisi Mataeka who's like my second mom. She's been a prominent support structure in my life," says Refilwe.
"Then there's my best friend Thabang Nkadimeng, who I've been friends with since childhood, who's always held my hand and is my spiritual pillar. Then there's my agent/manager Nakhira Precious Magoswana who's been able to help fight for me in my career. She also believes in my vision and has gone far beyond the call of duty. She has become like a sister to me."
Below, the White Gold actor tells W24 about her innate ability to tell stories and the importance of having people who believe in her, especially the women in her life.
What does a moment like this mean to you? Watching yourself tell your story and paying homage to those who have walked the journey with you?
It's surreal because it gives me a true moment of reflection on the journey, and looking back, I am in awe. I am genuinely grateful to be given a moment to thank these people who have been a big part of my life selflessly.
How important is it for us (South Africans/women) to continue telling untold and experiences?
Authenticity is critical in displaying how genuine one is in what they would like to articulate or communicate. And continuing to tell these stories authentically assists in building what we would like to be as people. We must be able to share narratives that will bring positive change or influence.
What would you say is the most important story you have shared over the years and why?
The most important story I've shared is my breaking barriers against all odds. I was able to go against the grain despite people's naysaying. Working hard for the things I want to accomplish and being unapologetic about who I am.
Tell us about the women in your life. What has their support represented and their presence meant to you?
My mom and sisters have walked the journey with me all my life. My aunts who love me dearly, our housekeeper Ausi Tshidi also plays a motherly role to me. My friends have always been supportive. My agent/manager fights for me when it comes to my career. Their support and presence in my life have kept me going strong. They have been my anchors, my voice of reason, the definition of love personified. These are women who pray with me and for me.
The work you do is always meaningful. What do you want people to remember you for?
I want to be remembered for the kind of person I am and the things I did to bring change and positivity wherever I went or through whatever I touched.
I want to be remembered as the unapologetic Refilwe who lived her life with true conviction. I want to be remembered as a light in this world and for being love personified. I want people to remember me with laughter and a big smile.
Do you have an inspirational story to share with us? Tell us about it here.
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