Sibande Is an Advocate for Disability Rights, Cares Deeply About Her Community

Noxolo Sibande’s mission is to assist the most vulnerable members of the Nhlazatshe community in Mpumalanga.

The 25-year-old Sibande founded Xolo’s Touch, a non-profit organisation (NPC) in 2021 with the goal of providing sanitary towels, toiletries, uniforms, and donated clothing to underprivileged children.

Sibande, who has cerebral palsy, said, “I was motivated by the number of children who are struggling with basic day-to-day needs because some of them end up making bad decisions such as getting involved in criminal activities or dating older men in exchange for money.”

Warm lunches are also provided by Xolo’s Touch to senior citizens who get social handouts. On the days when grants are collected, the meals are typically served.

“I just prepare meals for them on the day because some of them wake up early to go queue for their grant money without even having breakfast,” she said.

Sibande stated that she helps the people she has identified with a portion of her disability award, but she also receives support from family and community members who also want to see more people in her community helped.

“To assist someone else, you don’t need to be wealthy. Sharing what little you have makes a big difference,” Sibande remarked.

Her enterprise has so far been able to collaborate with a local radio station, another organisation, local companies, the mayor, and traditional leaders in order to provide clothing and necessities to those in need.

Sibande has received recognition for her unrelenting passion and ceaseless work. Many people in her community have been motivated by her efforts to help in any way they can—whether it is by making donations, offering their time, or just letting others know about Xolo’s Touch.

“I firmly believe in the strength of unity and community. Together, we can accomplish so much more than we could ever do on our own,” she said.

Her positivity and hope radiate to everyone around her, inspiring a sense of shared duty.

Sibande is an advocate for disability rights in addition to her work with Xolo’s Touch. She uses her personal experiences to inform and increase awareness of the difficulties experienced by those who have impairments.

“People need to realise that being disabled does not equate to being unable. Everybody can provide something worthwhile,” she emphasised.

Sibande has big ambitions for Xolo’s Touch in the future. Her aspirations include growing the NPC’s outreach, offering more thorough support services, and building a community centre where kids can get tutoring, internet access, and other learning tools.

“We have big dreams, but I believe that with patience, perseverance, and the continued support of our wonderful community, we can make those dreams a reality.”

Her experience serves as a potent reminder that one person’s generosity and passion may, in fact, have a significant impact.

Sibande has not only given those in need vital support through Xolo’s Touch, but she has also nurtured a giving and united spirit that is still reverberating across her community.

Editor’s note: The 25-year-old Sibande founded Xolo’s Touch, a non-profit organisation (NPC) in 2021 with the goal of providing sanitary towels, toiletries, uniforms, and donated clothing to underprivileged children.

Description: Sibande is an advocate for disability rights in addition to her work with Xolo’s Touch. She uses her personal experiences to inform and increase awareness of the difficulties experienced by those who have impairments.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA