Nozibele Mayaba is a South African activist, author, and presenter. After her own HIV diagnosis in 2013, Nozibele made it her mission to hold open conversations about her journey. She gained prominence through her YouTube channel, where she shares her journey with HIV and her TV show #YesIHaveHIV.
Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba was born and raised in Gqeberha. She earned a Bachelor of Technology in Marketing from Nelson Mandela University in 2013 and later completed a BA Honours Degree in Development Studies from the same institution in 2018. Her academic focus included evaluating strategies to involve men in HIV prevention projects.
Her activism began after her HIV diagnosis in 2013, a life-altering event that she initially kept secret due to fear of stigma. Nozibele shared her story publicly, leading to widespread recognition and respect. Her work earned her a place among the top 15 HIV YouTube channels globally, and her presenting skills garnered an international nomination at the Association of International Broadcasting Awards in 2023.
Her memoir, Positively Me: Daring to Live and Love Beyond HIV (2024), details her life from her strict Christian upbringing to her journey with HIV. Born in the 1990s, her mother raised her strictly and sought approval through academic and personal achievements. Her world was upended when she contracted HIV from her first love.
The turning point came when Nozibele decided to go public with her status in a viral video, finding purpose in her pain. Her memoir is a raw and honest account of her struggles and triumphs, exploring the complexities of living with HIV. It details her journey from secrecy to advocacy, highlighting her mission to foster open conversations about HIV.
In addition to her writing, Nozibele is a respected speaker, podcaster, and TV host. She partnered with Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio to launch the youth podcast "Don't Hold Back, Say It Loud." Her TV show #YesIHaveHIV helps individuals disclose their HIV status to loved ones.
Nozibele Mayaba lives in Johannesburg agglomeration.
Photo credit: FB @nozibele.mayaba
