Refilwe Modiselle’s Children’s Book Shines Bright on Two Billboards

Actress, model, and voice-over artist Refilwe Modiselle is celebrating a proud milestone after her debut children’s book, Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes, was featured on not one, but two major billboards in Johannesburg.

The book, released on June 28, follows the story of Zizi, a confident young girl living with albinism. Through Zizi’s journey, Modiselle hopes to teach children the importance of embracing who they are and showing kindness and compassion to others.

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A post shared by Refilwe Vanillablaq Modiselle (@refilwemodiselle)

Taking to Instagram, Modiselle expressed her gratitude and excitement. She wrote, “I married a pen to paper & gave birth to a book #ZizisWorld. But little did I imagine this incredibly special book, ‘Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes’, that’s the first of its kind for education, would have not ONE, but TWO billboards all thanks to @mustard_outdoor. 1. Soweto Entrance Nasrec. 2. Albertina Sisulu and Joe Slovo Bridge.”

She continued by thanking everyone who made it possible, saying, “This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people that jumped onto this with so much dedication & love. Everybody in these credits whose work speaks volumes, I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been crying a lot of tears of gratitude lately. This goes beyond Black Excellence!!!!”

Modiselle was especially proud that this moment happened just as the world marked International Literacy Day. “Dear GOD, another monumental first… I’m deeply humbled as Zizi continues to go out to the world with a bang. CHILDREN, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE THROUGH PURPOSE!”

The achievement was met with warm congratulations. Singer and podcaster Nandi Madida shared, “Everything! Thank you for doing this! So many kids will benefit from what you have just done. Bless you sis. Congrats!” Her sister, media personality Bontle Modiselle, added, “I’ve been crying since Sunday. I love you and I’m so proud of you, and our little Zizi.”

Speaking about her writing journey, Modiselle told The Citizen that it took her about two to three weeks of intense focus to complete the book. “I’ve never seen a child with albinism in a book. I wanted the story to speak to both children and adults in a way that’s simple but meaningful,” she explained.

With her billboards lighting up Johannesburg, Refilwe Modiselle is showing the world that storytelling has the power to inspire.