Noxolo Sibande.
A young woman from Tjakastad with cerebral palsy, Noxolo Sibande (27), is showing that despite living with a disability, one can still make a difference.
She is giving back to her community and is a shining example to others.
Sibande was born with the debilitating condition and is determined to be a community game-changer through her non-profit organisation, Xolo’s Touch.
She founded the organisation in 2023 and has since donated more than 200 packs of sanitary pads and school uniforms to learners. She also continues to provide breakfast and snacks to pensioners and collects their grants at the Elukwatini Shopping Centre.
“I started this organisation to continue my mother’s legacy and to show people that living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities do not need to stop them from becoming the individuals they dream of being. My mother shares with everyone in need, even the little she has and showed me that kindness is not expensive,” said Sibande.
She struggles to walk or stand for long periods as cerebral palsy affects muscle, movement, balance, posture and in some cases, brain development.
Despite this, she said, she had a normal upbringing, supported by her community. “I live in a rural area and I was never judged or ill-treated because of my condition.
My teachers gave me adequate support as a learner, even though I should have attended a special-needs school.”
However, she did say that growing up was not without challenges because of the many misconceptions surrounding the disease. “Common beliefs are that those with the disease die by age 13, that it is untreatable and those suffering from it are unable to learn, socialise or play sports,” she explained. “I am truly blessed to have lived this long.”
Sibande’s commitment to community upliftment work was recognised when she received the Community Builder of the Year accolade at the 2025 Sunrise Excellence Awards late last year. Sibande said she is overjoyed by the acknowledgement, especially in her home province. Her goals include expanding her work across more communities, empowering others and advocating for disability rights.
