Thando Hopa makes history as she graces Vogue cover

Thando Hopa is flying the South African flag higher as she graces the April cover of Vogue Portugal. The international model, lawyer and activist makes history as she becomes the woman with albinism to grace the cover of Vogue.

Revealing on their Twitter account, the April issue dubbed, Africa Motherland, is "dedicated to origins and Africa, as the cradle of humanity".

Thando Hopa para a Vogue Portugal de abril, uma edição dedicada às origens e a África, enquanto berço da humanidade. Capa 02 de 02, a chegar às bancas. #africamotherland pic.twitter.com/8SH8tAFCIL

— Vogue Portugal (@VoguePortugal) April 2, 2019

Hopa also shared the exciting news and admits this is a dream come true.

Taking to her IG account, she wrote: "I once said to a close friend that it would really be lovely to see a woman with albinism on a Vogue Cover, I would not have imagined that that woman would be me. "We are the ones we've been waiting for."

I'm emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative. I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that whenever I go, my existence, the way it is has always and will always be enough," she wrote.

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I once said to a close friend that it would really be lovely to see a woman with albinism on a Vogue Cover, I would not have imagined that that woman would be me. "We are the ones we have been waiting for." I'm emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative. I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that wherever I go, my existence, the way it is, has always and will always be enough. Thank you for allowing me to make a footnote in history @vogueportugal Thank you to the people who advised, supported and contributed significantly to this journey, who harnessed the essence of representation and inclusion. @gertjohancoetzee @melshaw001 @asandasizani @lynetteb_ Dr Precious Motsepe @unalbinism @audisouthafrica @asifhoosen @khanyi_matla @phindiv @pirelli Tim Walker @bbcafrica @bbc @motsepefoundation @afi_sa @glamour_sa @marieclairesa @foschinisa @pridemm @fashion_friend1 @staceylhanmer @kirsten___goss @beautyrevolution_za @samhopa @wokeproject @mimiinblue @adwoaaboa @infra_red_99 Not to mention I worked with an amazing team, it was one of the most unique and refreshing experiences I've ever had. Features editor @patriciatrdomingues Editor in chief @sofia.slucas Photographer:@rhysframpton Styling @sallyannebolton Make up:@suuad_jeppe Journalist @joanapem P,S thank you to @shaundross for sending so much love my way and @diandraforrest for the shout out. thandohopa#photograpy#activist#activism#fashion#writer#diversity#inclusion#representaion#feminist#feminism#art#albinism#blackgirlmagic#model#actress#southafrica#afro#kinkyhair#naturalhair#authenticity#thoughtleader#narratives#change#storyteller#body#representationmatters#voguecover

A post shared by Thando Hopa(@thandohopa) on Apr 2, 2019 at 2:21am PDT

Mzansi is thrilled as fans took to Twitter to congratulate Hopa:

Thando Hopa for Vogue Portugal.

🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

Can I get an AMEN somebody! 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/JBNxIChWQ0

— Lerato Tshabalala (@LeratoTJ) April 2, 2019

Lawyer, model and activist Thando Hopa on the cover of Vogue Portugal. pic.twitter.com/Gmum7CV4hF

— Nzinga Qunta (@NzingaQ) April 2, 2019

Alek Wek & Thando Hopa

Vogue Portugal is really superior pic.twitter.com/OzXex75DuI