Ntando Duma Tears Up Recalling How Her Grandmother Dissed Her Freckles
- Actress Ntando Duma got emotional during a podcast interview after reflecting on how her grandmother used to criticise her freckles growing up
- Duma admitted she grew up believing she was not pretty because of the comments, but said the experience shaped how she mothers her own children
- Mzansi had mixed reactions, with some sympathising with Ntando while others felt grandparents never meant harm with their words
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Source: Instagram
Actress Ntando Duma had fans reaching for tissues after she opened up about a painful childhood memory on a local podcast. Speaking about growing up with freckles, she revealed that the person who made her feel most insecure about her appearance was someone closest to her — her own grandmother.
The emotional conversation took place on [Nandi Madida's The Motherhood Network Book Club podcast](https://x.com/Zikamnyamane/status/2096622294718116164), filmed in a cosy home setting with plants and neutral décor, both women seated on a white couch speaking into boom-stand microphones. The mood quickly shifted from light to tearful as Ntando opened up.
**Ntando Duma on Growing Up Feeling Unpretty**
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Duma explained that she was consistently told growing up that people with freckles, referred to as "umuubi," were difficult. Her grandmother, rather than reassuring her, reinforced those beliefs in a way that left a lasting mark.
"I grew up believing that I'm actually not pretty," she said, her voice cracking with emotion.
She was quick to clarify, though, that her tears were not rooted in ongoing anger or pain. "I'm crying today not because I'm still angry at her or it hurts. It just, you know, I'm just reflecting back, thinking why would I have someone who I wish they could be supportive of what I do or of who I am and they do the exact opposite," she said.
Despite the hurt, Ntando found a silver lining in the experience. She said it directly influenced the kind of mother she has chosen to be, describing her grandmother's behaviour as both "a good example slash bad example" all at once.
Watch the emotional moment Ntando opened up about her grandmother's comments below.
**Mzansi Weighs In**
The clip resonated deeply with South Africans, many of whom shared their own experiences of family members making cutting remarks about their appearances. Reactions ranged from humour to heartbreak.
@GuleVuyani wrote: "She wanted to laugh so hard 😂😂😂, grandma can roast."
@IrepTriplep shared: "Grand parents always diss their grand kids but they dont mean to hurt you. Every kid has something their granny used to diss them by."
@teeBhelekazi said: "It hurts deeper 💔 when it's the fam member."
@wandile70998927 related personally: "My mom body shames ayikancane even my cousin stopped visiting cause each time she would always make comments about her weight and now she's doing it to me yet im just a size 34/36."
@presh_rabbit put it plainly: "You won't understand until someone mocks you with something you can't change. Deep down it still hurts her. Atleast if that was said by a stranger."
@55GMN16 disagreed: "Younger generation like turning themselves into victims over flimsy things. How do you even arrive at being bullied by your grandma, who showed you nothing but love?"
@rxnkinetics kept it short: "Grandmas can be mean"
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Source: Briefly News
