JoJo Robinson faces surgery to remove multiple skin cancers

Updated April 9, 2026, 2:07 p.m. | By Tamlyn Canham

'The Real Housewives of Durban' star says her skin cancer is not linked to her full-body tattoos.

JoJo Robinson poses in a modern bathroom — JoJo Robinson/Instagram (@mrs.jojo.robinson

JoJo Robinson has revealed that she will undergo cancer surgery.

The Durban reality star opened up about her diagnosis and the effect it will have on her tattoos.

"The last day my back tattoo will look like this. Tomorrow [Friday] is surgery day, where we remove the multiple skin cancers on my back, currently 6 altogether," she wrote on Instagram.

"Unfortunately, with skin cancer like mine, large areas are cut out, which in general would be okay, but for someone that has spent over 30+ hours of pain and time to build up a back piece, it's a double blow."

However, Robinson isn't letting that get her down too much.

"Large sections of the tattoo will be removed, and I have no idea what that's going to look like, but as someone told me here on my Insta fam, 'What is the core behind tattoos? It's your story told on the outside?' So, essentially, this is just the next phase of that story."

The 'Real Housewives of Durban' star also revealed that she might have to live with her type of skin cancer for the rest of her life.

"We don't know what the future holds either, but im just focused on removing what I have currently and then moving on."

The stay-at-home mom also set the record straight on whether her tattoos were linked to her skin cancer. Some people have blamed the ink for her diagnosis.

"Skin cancer is NOT linked to tattoos," she continued. "It's genetic... it is also from UV exposure and the type of skin I have." Her mother also had skin cancer, and she has no tattoos.

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A post shared by JoJo Robinson (@mrs.jojo.robinson)

JoJo Robinson Tattoos

Robinson has spent roughly R200, 000 - R300, 000 decorating her body with elaborate designs.

In 2023, she revealed that 70% of her body was covered in tattoos. She has since added more tattoos to her collection.

"Does it hurt? Yes. People who tell me it doesn't hurt are usually the ones with an outline," she said last year.

"Anything over a 3-hour session is horrible. It does not get better. It gets worse the longer you sit. And healing is rough. Black out areas. Yoh. You must prepare. Nothing can actually prepare you."

She also shared some of the areas that hurt the most: neck, inner legs, knee, inside knee, foot, hands, ribs, back, and lower back. Below the bum, in the bum cheeks.

Each tattoo has its own special meaning, and Robinson isn't fazed by what people think.

"Do people stare? Yes. I don't mind generally. But the Karens, ay they come for you with the dirty looks. Do you regret any? No. Not at all.. I love my art."