Nambitha Ben Mazwi talks about her struggle being dark

Growing up, Nambitha Ben-Mazwi was often teased for her dark complexion. She is now using the experience to teach young girls to be comfortable in their skin.

The actress was often teased and was nicknamed after a dark bird.

“There was a nickname that I will never forget. There is a bird that’s pitch black and people used to sing a song calling me that bird,” she said.

Nambitha said her grandmother helped her understand that her differences made her unique. She made her feel like her complexion was a “secret weapon” she had.

However, even as she headed into the acting industry, Nambitha continued to feel like her complexion might be an issue.

“Since growing up my skin has been a teasing factor. It is only now that it (being dark) is in. For a long time it wasn’t but Hollywood goes through cycles where dark is the in thing. And then being a white male is the in thing, and then being a white female is an in thing. There is a cycle and dark is in now. There was a time that yellow bone was in.

“Although I have never been told that my skin was the reason for me not getting roles, I have tried to work with what I have and work with Pan-African productions where I know that I have the look. I tend to go where I am celebrated and block off everything else,” she said.

Advocate

Nambitha is now an advocate for dark-skinned girls.

“I feel like that is my calling, to inspire. I’m trying to use my strengths to leave an impact and help young girls have confidence. Girls should understand beauty is more than your appearance and they can do anything,” she said.

Nambitha is part of the Book Your First Gig seminars with Thapelo Mokoena. The seminars are to teach valuable lessons to young talent.