Thando Hopa (born 1989 in Sebokeng) is a South African model, activist, and lawyer. She is the first woman with albinism to be on the cover of Vogue.[1][2]

Thando Hopa
Hopa speaks at the World Economic Forum in 2020
Born1989 Edit this on Wikidata
OccupationModel, activist Edit this on Wikidata
Awards

Life

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While working as a prosecutor, she was scouted by Gert-Johan Coetzee to work as a model. Hopa aims to portray albinism in a positive way.[3] She was cast as the Princess of Hearts in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar, becoming the first South African person of color to appear in it. In 2018, Hopa was recognized with the 100 Women award from BBC for her diversity and inclusion advocacy.[4]

Thando was cast as Artemis in the British-American miniseries, Troy: Fall of a City.[5][circular reference] As a child, she was a cast member in the early seasons of Takalani Sesame (the South African co-production of Sesame Street). Her mother, Seipati Bulane-Hopa, was the executive producer of the show.

She formed part of the panel of judges for Miss South Africa, which culminated in the win of Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi.[6][circular reference]

In 2020, she became a fellow at the World Economic Forum, narratives lab and she was mentored by singer-songwriter, actress and activist Angélique Kidjo.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Cachero, Paulina (11 April 2019). "South African model Thando Hapo is the first woman with albinism to cover Vogue". www.yahoo.com. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  2. ^ Johnson, Jazzi (April 2019). "South African Model Thando Hopa Makes History As First Albino Person To Cover Vogue Magazine". Blavity. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  3. ^ "SA model Thando Hopa making waves overseas". CapeTalk. 20 July 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  4. ^ "BBC 100 Women 2018: Who is on the list?". 19 November 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  5. ^ "Troy: Fall of a City". en.m.wiki.x.io. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Miss South Africa 2019". en.m.wiki.x.io. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  7. ^ "New Narratives Lab Promotes Next Generation of Cultural Leaders to Advance Change". World Economic Forum. Retrieved 7 March 2021.