Celebs oppose skin bleaching

DURBAN born actress and singer Brenda Mhlongo along with other celebrities put her weight behind the anti-skin bleaching campaign at the Botanic Gardens recently.

Internationally known for her role as Rafiki in the Broadway musical production of The Lion King, the South African beauty said as someone born with a dark skin tone, it is important to stand up against the pressure from tv, social media and society in general to have lighter skin.

“I'm comfortable with my skin and I think young girls must realise we are all born with natural beauty and we must embrace it. When I travel internationally, people love and want my darker complexion, cheek bones and hips. Its important to take care of your skin but never bleach it,” she advised the gathering of young women.

A range of experts will be on hand to speak to both men and women on the dangers of skin bleaching as well as promoting self-acceptance and self-love during at one of the City's Heritage month activities.

The event organised by Futhi Mkhize, hoped to discourage the use of skin bleaching products, which despite being banned in South Africa are available at a number of stores and beauty salons.