How TV presenter Nozibele Qamngana found out she has HIV at the age of 22.
Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba, a presenter for Honey TV, has written a letter to her 22-year-old self informing her of upcoming events in her life.
Nozibele said it was a difficult moment for her when she learned she was HIV positive at the age of 22.
She is advising the 22-year-old girl not to worry too much now that she has achieved success and has become a best-selling book, TV presenter, and award-winning YouTuber.
“Dear Nozi, I am your future. It’s the 15th of August 2013. Later this afternoon, you will receive unexpected news. Your life as you know it will suddenly change. While participating in the wellness day event, the nurse will tell you that you’re HIV positive,” she wrote.
“It won’t make sense. In your true Nozi style, you will find every reason to think that the results are false and try to prove otherwise. The test kit must have been faulty? Researchers claim that the rapid test is 99% accurate. Maybe you’re the lucky 1%? None of the above. You are indeed HIV positive,” she continued.
She continued to caution Nozi, 22, in the letter, saying that although change won’t happen right away, she should hold on.
“The next few years are going to be very rough baby. You will experience pain like you never have before. You will have several breakdowns and it’ll feel like you’ll never be yourself ever again. But I want to tell you that it’ll be okay. It will get better. This won’t happen overnight, Nozi. Go through all the stages of the pain and feel. Gradually, you WILL be okay,” wrote Nozi.
“Nine years later, a whole lot of things have happened. You are now a best-selling author, TV host, podcaster, award-winning YouTuber and social entrepreneur. Yaassss, wena girly. Look how you have used the same story, the same pain, the very same thing you thought would kill you, to bring about change. You have made a positive impact on many people,” she wrote.
Nozi is also the host of the new Yes, I Have HIV show on Honey TV. She assists those who wish to inform their loved ones of their HIV status.
