In November 2005, I travelled to South Africa to volunteer for three months at an orphanage on the Cape Flats called Themba Care. During that time, I met a little girl named Nolufefe who was just 7 years old and had been born HIV positive.

What began as a volunteering trip became a lifelong friendship.

Only months after I returned home, Nolufefe’s mother, Nomfazi Sibane, sadly passed away from tuberculosis, leaving Nolufefe orphaned at a very young age. Despite unimaginable hardship throughout her life, she has remained incredibly strong, kind-hearted and determined.

Over the last twenty years, I have stayed in contact with Nolufefe and watched her continue fighting through repeated illness, hospitalisations and enormous personal challenges with remarkable resilience.

Nolufefe is now 28 years old and is currently battling severe chronic lung disease following repeated tuberculosis infections over recent years. Her right lung has failed, her heart is now under immense strain supporting her remaining lung function, and she is dependent on oxygen to breathe. Doctors are currently discussing the possibility of a lung transplant.

She is no longer able to work and becomes exhausted even walking short distances.

One of the most immediate things that would improve her quality of life is access to a portable oxygen machine and oxygen support equipment, allowing her a small degree of independence and mobility outside of hospital and home.

Funds raised will go towards:

• A portable oxygen machine/unit

• Ongoing medical and transport costs

• Daily living expenses whilst she is unable to work

• Additional support during treatment and recovery

Below are some of Nolufefe’s own words about her journey:

“I’m 28 years old, born HIV positive in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, and raised in Cape Town. My life has not been easy. Since childhood I have been in and out of hospitals and had to leave school at a young age because of my health.

I tried many times to rebuild my life. I went back to college, looked for work, and worked hard whenever I could. But after repeated TB infections in 2023, 2024 and 2025, doctors discovered I had chronic lung disease. My right lung failed and now I need oxygen to breathe.

This year my condition became more serious. My body became swollen, I struggled to breathe, and my heart is now under strain helping my remaining lung function. I become tired very easily and cannot walk far. Doctors are trying their best to help me receive oxygen support at home and are discussing a possible lung transplant.

I had big plans for my life. I wanted to study, start a small business, and make my late mother proud. Things have not gone the way I hoped, but I am trying to stay strong.

To anyone living with chronic lung disease — please stay strong, be patient with yourself, and never give up.”

The photographs shared on this page span nearly twenty years — from Nolufefe as a little girl at Themba Care, to childhood celebrations and graduation moments she was so proud of. They are a reminder that behind every illness is a person with dreams, memories, resilience and a life still worth fighting for.

Any donation, however small, would mean the world and will go directly towards supporting Nolufefe’s care, mobility and daily living needs during this incredibly difficult time.

If you are unable to donate, simply sharing this page would also help enormously.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Nolufefe’s story and for any support you may be able to give.