The dark side of skin

South African celebrity Mshoza has undergone bleaching
South African celebrity Mshoza has undergone bleaching

For decades some African women have reached out to any variety of products to make their skin lighter, often paying a high price in the process. For some, being lighter is simply a beauty choice, but for others, it is all about Africans feeling uncomfortable in their own skin. Mmegi Correspondent, NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE explores

The thought of changing your skin colour might seem bizarre, but for many people, skin-lightening creams and treatments are part of a daily skincare routine.

Many agree that the desire to be lighter has deep psychological roots, stemming mainly from colonisation and the subsequent historic exclusion of positive narratives about dark-skinned people in popular media and entertainment.

Editor's Comment
Prosecutors deserve better

These legal professionals, who are entrusted with upholding the rule of law, face numerous challenges that compromise their ability to effectively carry out their duties.Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story on the lamentations of the officers of court.The prosecutors have raised a number of concerns, calling for urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. Their...

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