Refilwe Modiselle is known to many South Africans as a model, actress, and TV host. But now, she’s stepping into a brand-new role—author. The trailblazer recently announced the release of her very first children’s book, “Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes,” and fans are celebrating this milestone.
Taking to Instagram, an emotional Refilwe shared her excitement: “Adding AUTHOR to my resume is unbelievable! This is an unexpected dream coming to fruition after hearing people for years say, ‘When will you write a book, Fi?’ This was a scary thought initially!”
Refilwe explained that she never imagined writing a book would become part of her life journey, but destiny had other plans. “Little did I know that destiny would facilitate this vision in the form of this Children’s Book you see here: ‘Zizi’s World: Through her Vanilla Eyes.’ I’m actually crying,” she wrote.
Teaming up with Lingua Franca Publishers, one of South Africa’s leading educational publishers, Refilwe poured her heart into this project. “Children have always held a sacred place in my heart,” she said. “I’ve also always felt like if I had a book to read that had representation for people like me, the world would be a lot kinder in grooming kids, with more emotional intelligence and teaching people to be better human beings.”
This book, she explained, is not just a story—it’s an “intentional labour of love.” It tackles powerful themes like albinism, bullying, self-love, respect, diversity, inclusion, unity, and the love of parents. Refilwe added, “THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, a heartfelt body of work, written by the subject living in those exact shoes.”
She also noted the lack of books like hers in school curriculums and stores. “We don’t have much material—if any—of this nature available commercially,” she said. “I hope and pray it fuels some education and the culture of reading too.”
Refilwe paid tribute to her late father, saying she believes he’d be proud of her work. “I’m reminded of how thankful I am that in my developmental years, my Dad’s Readers Digest Book Club reinforcement came in handy. I know he’d be extremely proud from the heavens, of this project that I’m launching on his birthday weekend.”
The book is set to launch officially on 28th June, with an in-store book signing planned. While full details on where to buy the book will be shared soon, Refilwe encouraged fans to support the project. “I hope you get a piece of this magic for your KIDS, and ADULTS trust me—you too can take something valuable!”
In her final words, she declared with pride: “HISTORY BEING MADE!”
