Dr Imogen Mashazi trends over bleaching claim
Dr Imogen Mashazi sparked widespread discussion on social media following her appearance at the Madlanga Commission on Monday, 1 December 2025, which highlighted her lighter skin tone.
The former Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager became a topic of online discussion as users circulated images comparing her past and present appearance, alleging that she had bleached her skin.
X user @AM_Blujay shared the viral comparison images, claiming, “Skin bleaching is a pandemic.”
This post drew significant attention, prompting many South Africans to share their thoughts on Mashazi’s change in appearance and the societal pressures tied to beauty ideals.
A video released by businessman Tumi Sole further fueled the conversation, showing Mashazi applying bright red lipstick while being interrogated at the commission.
The video gained traction as viewers reacted to her unscheduled makeup touch-up during the inquiry.
Podcaster Lebo Keswa expressed her views, stating, “Imagine waking up every day to go to the office, and you have Dr Mashiza as your boss, my gosh #MadlangaCommission.”
<pResponses varied as users analyzed Mashazi’s new appearance.
One commenter remarked, “Not only bleaching, Turkey denture, wigs or hair implants, brow upliftments… This is only the face before BBLs, breast what what.”
Another user added, “We need to free ourselves from colourism.”
<pSome expressed nostalgia for her previous look, with remarks such as, “That time, she looked good in her natural skin tone,” and another noted, “Crooks like hiding their true identity.”
