Cancer, HIV survivor’s NPO to empower others to overcome

An Isipingo woman who has lived with HIV for almost 20 years and survived tuberculosis (TB) and cancer wants to empower and inspire others fighting life-threatening diseases.

Sibongile Cynthia Kheswa (53) was diagnosed with HIV in 1997. “It was not easy to believe when I got the news,” she said. At the time her three children ranged in age from 17 to only three-years-old.

“I had no-one to talk to about what I was going through, only my specialist and general practioner. I spent many sleepless nights wondering what was going to happen.”

Cynthia was a teacher at Ndwedwe Primary School when she was diagnosed, but was medically boarded. “I wasn’t coping – the effects of the antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment I was harsh.”

She also faced the stigma of someone living with HIV. “I was ridiculed by some and made to be a laughing stock. Others distanced themselves from me. But I am a positive person and although I was on a difficult journey, I knew I had to fight this disease alone. I didn’t give up hope.”

Cynthia started working in the insurance industry in 2005 and did so well she even received a platinum award for being most productive. “Despite what I was going through, I believed I could still make a difference in my life.”

Just as she was coming to grips with living with HIV, her world was shattered once again when she was diagnosed with TB in 2009.

“I started TB treatment while taking ARVs. When my doctor told me I had TB, all I felt was fatigue.

There was no-one else to put food on the table, so I was bound to get up and go to work.”

Besides her own three children, Cynthia was also looking after her two grandchildren at the time.

She underwent two years of treatment, before receiving the good news that she was TB-free.

“Last year I started my own company. I have faced many challenges which have been a drawback in my life.”

But life still had one more hard knock in store for her. Last June she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. “I remained positive throughout my treatment. I vowed that I would not allow anything to destroy my life. I have lost two family members to cancer, however, when my doctor asked me how I felt after being diagnosed I told him I felt grateful. I know that doesn’t sounds right, but I was grateful for being diagnosed and for all the tribulations I was going through. I knew anything could happen – good or bad – and that’s the message I want to share.”

Through her cancer treatment Cynthia grew even more positive. While in hospital, she began to inspire and motivate other patients. “I realised that through a positive attitude the side effects of my treatment became minimal.”

She underwent her last chemotherapy session in August and received the joyous news she is in remission.

“The road I have travelled has not been smooth, but through positive thinking and God’s Word I believe I can conquer anything.”

Currently unemployed, Cynthia has started an organisation called ‘Siphilangolwazi’, which means we survive through knowledge. “I want to empower and inspire people, with a focal point on those who have been diagnosed with cancer.”

She needs financial help to get her non-profit organisation off the ground, such as getting a website designed and up and running, someone to do a proposal for a potential sponsor, marketing tools and office space in Durban. If you can help this amazing survivor help others, make contact with her on her Facebook page ‘Siphilangolwazi Comunity Organization’, email her at cskheswa@gmail.com or call 061-746-4034.