Inspiring story: Sibulele's triumph over grief and IVF
From grief and fertility struggles to twin motherhood, Sibulele opens up in the raw and honest Season 3 launch of Don’t Hold Back.
My heart is so full. I am so happy right now! The conversations, you know, things that are sometimes frowned upon and the fact that we've created the safe space for the likes of Sibu (Sibulele) to come through and tell their stories. I hope your heart is as full as mine!
The latest season of Don’t Hold Back opens with a powerful conversation between host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba and keynote speaker, activist and twin mom Sibulele Sibaca-Nomnganga.
Sibulele reflects on childhood grief after losing both parents, the emotional toll of miscarriage, and the hope she held onto through IVF, eventually becoming the proud mother of twin boys.
Now, a respected voice in the NGO space and an advocate for girls’ empowerment, Sibulele shares why she has chosen to tell her story publicly and what she hopes other women take from her journey.
LISTEN TO | WATCH the launch episode of Season 3 below, or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Don’t Hold Back is an internationally recognised podcast created by Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio, and Deutsche Welle. Each episode tackles taboo topics and real-life challenges faced by South Africans under 35 — from identity and culture to mental health and relationships.
MORE ABOUT NOZIBELE QAMNGANA-MAYABA:
South African presenter Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is well known for her HIV-AIDS activism and YouTube channel. After her own HIV diagnosis in 2013, Nozibele made it her mission to hold open conversations about her journey. Now a published author and respected authority on the subject, the 33-year-old’s work was named as one of the web’s Top 15 HIV YouTube channels. She recently completed a second season of her TV show called #YesIHaveHIV, where she assists others to disclose their HIV statuses to friends and family. In May of 2023, her presenting skills earned her an international nomination in the "Presenter of the Year" category at the Association of International Broadcasting awards. With her direct, engaging, and empathetic hosting style, she's the perfect fit to address taboo topics - and to say: Don't hold back!
Don’t Hold Back has received international and local recognition, including:
- Bronze Winner – 2023 Anthem Awards (Education, Art & Culture / Podcast or Audio)
- Finalist – 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards
- Shortlisted – 2023 Publisher Podcast Awards (Best Health & Wellbeing Podcast)
- Finalist – 2023 AIB Awards (Presenter of the Year: Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba)
- Spotlight of the Year (Podcast) – 2023 African Podcast and Voice Awards
- Gold Winner – 2024 South African Podcasting Awards (Wellness & Relationships)