HIV activist Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba has put Mzansi on the map with her podcast, Don’t Hold Back.
Her podcast won a bronze prize at the second annual Anthem Awards in the education, art and culture category.
The awards ceremony was held in New York, USA on Wednesday, 15 February.
Nozibele told Daily Sun this came as a gift and a blessing as she is doing this out of love and wants to educate the masses.
The 31-year-old said with her podcast, she wanted to create a safe space to discuss taboo issues that matter to young people.
She said her episodes seek to inspire and encourage listeners through her guests' personal stories.
ALSO READ : Ukhozi FM presenter's MERC 'taken' by Repo men!
“This is really an honour. I'm one of the people who never stop. I'm always on the run and constantly chasing after another deadline. So, when this happened, it forced me to stop and reflect on the amazing work we have done with the podcast. It's incredible to be recognised like this,” she said.
Her You/Tube channel Don’t Hold Back is Mzansi’s biggest channel and is in collaboration with Jacaranda FM, German broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, and East Coast Radio.
“A thousand thank you. This would not have been possible if it were not for them. They watched and listened to the podcast from episode 1. And so, winning this award is because of them. We are truly grateful,” she said.
Her message to those who want to give up is that they must always have hope and never look back at their mistakes.
“Always give it another try. It's tough, I won't lie. Everyone is struggling with something. We're trying to make this life thing work. We win some, we lose some. But we continue to try and because of that, we find ourselves in these kinds of situations. So don't give up,” she said.
Deirdre King, managing director of Jacaranda FM, said: “Gauteng’s beloved ‘More Music you Love’ radio station has added an exciting ecosystem of multimedia products like the ‘Don’t hold back’ podcast, and winning a bronze prize in the education, art and culture category celebrates our purpose and mission-driven work, and our collaborators of course.”
You must be SIGNED IN to read comments
Nozibele is famously known for her HIV/Aids activism. This after she was diagnosed with HIV in 2013.
She has made it her mission to hold open conversations about her journey living with HIV.
