Book review: Positively Me by Nozibele Mayaba with Sue Nyathi

I have never really followed Nozibele on any social media platform. In fact, I did not know about her nor her story. All I remember was my little sister telling me about this HIV activist to follow. Both my siblings are Nozibele’s supporters and have on various occasions insisted that I follow her story. I dragged my feet because generally when I follow any activist online, I love to see more than the activism rather the inspiration behind it.

There she was Nozibele in an interview sharing her story and I was moved. I won’t lie, I was overcome with emotions. A  strong beautiful young African woman pouring her heart out and fulfilling purpose is a delight to witness. There is something so beautiful when one takes what seems to be adversity and finds purpose. I was sold and immediately she became someone I found myself admiring online. I personally draw strength from this young woman and I am rooting for her. 

Her name is Nozibele Mayaba. An HIV activist who is an internationally recognised speaker, podcaster and TV host. On YouTube she hosts her TV show #YesI HaveHIV. The name of her book is Positively Me Daring to Live and Love beyond HIV. She refers to herself as a devoted Christian woman. I would like to add, a woman of faith and purpose to her titles. The wife of Skhu, mother to Lumi, sister and friend to the world.

Upon reading Positively Me, I personally thought I was informed about HIV/AIDS. I knew what I needed to get by. However, reading Nozi’s book is an indication that there is so much room for learning. Nozi’s book not only opened my eyes to see beyond the statistics generated. It shaped me and altered my outlook on the concept of living positively. I think by this I mean that the World Health Organisation (WHO) response to HIV/AIDS  is to lead activities for treatment and care. WHO responses also seek to work on the elimination of mother to child transmission. However, what the World Health Organisation WHO cannot do is respond to the concept of positively living. It is your responsibility as an individual to adopt a positive mindset. 

This is where our dear sister to the world has come in to rescue us. I personally believe the Nozi story is a story associated with her purpose. In addition, her story is a response that the world is in need of. I am moved that destiny chose her to write this story because who better tell it like she does. Hence, I personally adhere to you to purchase and read Positively Me. I would love to review her entire book but I would rather you experience her story. However, I will make contributions of the two chapters that resonated with me. 

Chapter three Breadwinners are made, not born and chapter five Facing the music choosing me.

Chapter 3 Breadwinners are made, not born

One of the deprivations that the Apartheid policy left behind is the burden of black tax. Please don’t come for me yet? Hear me out here. We may not have the courage to say it out loud however, by virtue of the apartheid policy intentionally designed to segregate black people we are left with black tax. Segregation created distance in our family unit. Having family members spread across provinces increased the burden of financial obligations. That is where our family unit was compromised and we bear witness to the consequence of this policy.

The sad yet very true reality is that when you are faced with black tax there is no running from it. Nozi’s rise meant that she was obligated to ensure her family rose with her. This meant that she had to make sacrifices at a young age for her family to come out of poverty. Like with many young people starting out in corporate having big dreams to get the latest whatever is selling in the market. Nozi had the burden of renovating her mothers house, paying debt and looking out for her brother. 

For a young woman to have had the opportunity to be the first in her family to travel abroad is commendable. However, her accomplishments instead of being celebrated are received as a token to rescue her loved ones.  In addition, having had experience of looking after her family especially at a young age greatly impacted her. She assumed a motherly or parental role very quickly. She ended up forgetting about herself. Nozi focused so much on her family that even when an opportunity would arise to put herself first she didn’t. This is all because of the circumstance that she was born in. 

Chapter five- Facing the music choosing me

In the midst of being the one to rescue her family, she was diagnosed with HIV. For some odd reason, I am of the view that her diagnosis led her to choosing herself. Her diagnosis of HIV was her saving grace. 

Nozi, it is you. Nozi, it had to be you. Nozi, your life turned out to be this beautiful story because your diagnosis saved you from everything. 

Nozi, you were so accustomed to putting everyone first but you. It took your diagnosis for everything to be about you. You are what you have been looking for your whole life. The parental roles you assumed are what got you through. I wouldn’t have known you had it not been for your diagnosis.

Your story is beautiful and so are you. God’s hand has always been on you, uthando lwakhe Lumingonaphakade.

I am rooting for you in everything you do makwande sisi. Ntinga ntaka!

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

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