Despite living with cerebral palsy, 27-year-old Noxolo Sibande is beating the odds and giving back to her community. 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 honour my mother’s legacy and to inspire people living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities to pursue who they dream of becoming. My mother shares with everyone in need, even the little she has, and she showed me that kindness is not expensive,” said Sibande.

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Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, balance, posture, and in some cases, brain development. Despite this, she said, she had a normal upbringing while being 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.”

Growing up was, however, not without challenges due to the many myths surrounding cerebral palsy.

“Common misconceptions include having a short lifespan, dying by the age of 13, being untreatable, and being unable to learn, socialise or play sports,” she explained.

“I am truly blessed to have lived this long.”

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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 into more communities, empowering others, and advocating for disability rights.