A model and a mother making her mark

When you think of Kgothatso Dithebe, you probably picture the beautiful model.

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But to reduce her to a pretty face on your Instagram feed is to miss an even more striking story.

Born and raised in Mahikeng, Kgothatso had to put herself through school from a young age.

Even then, she displayed rare determination. "I made sure I finished school. I believed there's certain things in life I will have. I might not have all of it, but I can have some of it." "I think that's also my motivation in life.

Because I always look at where I come from, I always look at my childhood. I don't ever want to see myself back there." Kgothatso's childhood gave her the resilience she is known for today, and was also largely shaped by the birthmark on her face.

"I look different from other people. I have a birthmark that goes all the way to my head. My hair also has white patches. At home, I felt love and warmth, but outside, it was a whole different world. People saw me as different and started calling me names. And I think that's why I also started seeing myself as different.' Until she was 19, Kgothatso would usually cover her birthmark with make-up, especially on social media.