She has been shamed for the way she looks on social media. Award-winning singer Buhlebendalo Mda has come forward to address trolls who have repeatedly commented negatively about her image. She recently left the group The Soil to venture into music as a solo artist. "I have been in the industry for 13 years. I only started n and appreciating myself a few years ago," she says. "I never saw myself as the girl in the industry. I had to work on myself and I have dealt with my insecurities."

ACCEPTANCE

Buhlebendalo says she never liked the way she looked coming into the industry but learned to accept herself. "I have always hated myself. I would look in the mirror and say, that belly, boobs too small, got a double chin. But I've passed that stage. I am 35. I had to build myself and had to come to TikTok at this age and being told nginomcondo (I have skinny legs)," she adds. "I have every opportunity to remind people how they are but that's not how I roll. I wear my crop top with the stretch marks, and I don't care."

TROLLS

Buhlebendalo says it's mostly women who attack her. "What hurts the most is that most of these comments come from women," she says. "I have mirrors in my house. I can see myself. I see my legs as I walk. Do they bother me? No. I can walk. My legs have carried me, in and around the globe. What is it with people who are striving to make others feel small or less of themselves?" she questions. "That shit is not gonna fly with me. I have been through it all."