Sibulele’s heartfelt journey: IVF, twin miracles & healing
From grief and IVF to twin motherhood and empowerment - Sibulele’s story is a powerful start to the new season 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!
What does it take to turn pain into purpose?
In the Season 3 launch episode of the award-winning video podcast Don’t Hold Back, host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with powerhouse speaker Sibulele Sibaca-Nomnganga to unpack a life marked by profound loss - and even greater triumph.
Sibulele lost both parents in childhood, a grief that shaped her early life. But that was only the beginning. From navigating miscarriage and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to becoming a twin mom and respected leader in the NGO world, Sibulele shares the truth behind her strength - and the choice to be visible and vulnerable.
This isn’t only a story of motherhood. It’s a deeply personal conversation about healing, societal pressure, and stepping into leadership while still carrying the weight of loss.
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 East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM, 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)