I found out i was HIV positive at 22 – Nozibele Mayaba speaks out

Nozibele Mayaba has penned down a letter to her 22-year old self. Taking to Facebook, the star wrote the letter to know what is about to happen in her life. In her post, Nozibele said she found out she was HIV positive at 22 and said it was a tough time for her.

Now that she’s made it and has become a best-selling author, TV presenter and award-winning Youtuber, she’s telling her 22-year-old self not to worry much.

“A letter to my 22 year old self…Dear Nozi, I am your future. It’s the 15th of August 2013. Later this afternoon 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. 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. The next few years are going to be very rough baby. You will experience pain like you’ve 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. You will smell the flowers again. You’ll no longer have to force that smile. It’ll come naturally. You’ll laugh from the pit of your stomach again.”

“Nine years later, a whole lot of things have happened. You are a 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 to many people. Your name will be known internationally baby. They WILL know exactly who you are. God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggle and a gift for your faithfulness. Don’t give up. Be easy on yourself kiddo. Love HARD and make peace with everyone. I love you.