Criselda Kananda (also known as Criselda Dudumashe, née Kananda) is a South African radio and television personality, motivational speaker, wellness advocate, HIV activist, and former nurse.
Her life story is one of perseverance, transparency, and impact. In this biography, we will explore her early life, career in media, advocacy work, personal challenges, and enduring legacy.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Criselda Kananda
- Born: 9 September 1969
- Age: 56 years (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Radio & TV Personality, Motivational Speaker, Wellness Advocate, HIV Activist, Former Nurse
- Spouse: Siyolo Dudumashe (married 2015, later separated/divorced)
- Children: Three daughters – Thatohatsi, Makhosazana, and Thandolwethu
Early Life & Education
Criselda Kananda was born on 9 September 1969 in South Africa. She grew up in various township areas, including Daveyton, Soweto, and Witbank, and is often described as a “township girl” who experienced both hardship and the wisdom of community life. She was raised partly by her grandparents under disciplined environments. As a young woman, she trained initially as a nurse and counselor, equipping her with foundational knowledge for her later health advocacy work.
Her education further expanded into fields such as management development, project management, direct marketing, business communications, psycho-neuroimmunology, health and positive living, and more. She also enrolled in or studied toward degrees in Human Ecology and Communication Science.
Career in Media & Broadcasting
Criselda’s passion for public speaking and health education steered her toward media. She saw radio as a platform to reach and uplift communities with real, simplified health messages.
She joined Metro FM and other radio stations, hosting talk shows that focused on wellness, health, relationships, and empowerment. She launched a show called Positive Talk in 2003 on KAYA FM, dedicated to exploring how HIV/AIDS affects health, wellness, and socioeconomic issues.
Over time, she expanded her reach by travelling across Africa (18 countries) with Metro FM, promoting the role of media in health education. She also contributed as a columnist and editor to various publications such as Real Magazine, City Press, Bona Magazine, and Drum Magazine.
She later accepted roles in corporate affairs and advocacy, including serving in the South African Presidency’s office as Corporate Affairs Director (2017–2020) and joining 3Sixty Global Solutions in corporate affairs.
HIV & Health Advocacy
One of the most defining aspects of Criselda’s life is her transparency about her HIV-positive status and her bold advocacy to break stigma.
She has lived with HIV for over two decades. Despite her status, for many years she did not use antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), citing that her immune system was still strong. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she revealed that her immune system was weakened and that she began ARV treatment.
Her advocacy goes beyond her personal condition: she has engaged with government departments and NGOs to implement workplace wellness programs, human rights campaigns, HIV education, and simplified health messaging.
Personal Life & Challenges
Criselda has been open about her life challenges. Early in her life, she had her first child believing it would rescue her from poverty. She is the mother of three daughters: Thatohatsi, Makhosazana, and Thandolwethu.
She married Siyolo Dudumashe on 6 June 2015 at Rhema Church, Johannesburg. Their marriage was troubled; at one point, she publicly filed assault charges, later withdrew them on condition of rehabilitative counselling from him. By 2020 she was in the process of divorce, and she later reverted to her maiden surname, Kananda.
Health-wise, she faced further challenges: she underwent gall bladder removal, recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia, and continued navigating life with compromised immunity.
Awards & Honors
- In 2007, she was named one of ten most influential South African women by City Press / Rapport.
- She was also honored as an Iconic Woman in social development by Olay International, and received titles like “Role Model of the Year” (Feather Awards) and “Heroine of the Year” in 2010.
- In December 2020, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work by the University of Zululand, in recognition of her activism and social service work.
- She was invited to speak at the Organization of African First Ladies dialogue (OAFLA) in Ghana and Ethiopia in 2016–2017, at the invitation of the First Lady of Ghana.
Legacy & Influence
Criselda Kananda’s life story is more than the sum of its parts. She has become a touchstone for many living with HIV, showing that one can live openly, courageously, and impactfully. Her media presence, wellness advocacy, and public vulnerability have inspired many to break silence, seek care, and demand dignity.
She continues to promote holistic wellness—body, mind, and spirit—through her consultancy, public speaking, community engagement, and media platforms.
FAQs
Q1: What is Criselda Kananda’s full name?
Her birth name is Criselda Kananda; after marriage she was also known as Criselda Dudumashe.
Q2: When and where was she born?
She was born on 9 September 1969 in South Africa.
Q3: Is she HIV positive?
Yes, Criselda Kananda is living with HIV, and she has been open about her journey.
Q4: Does she take antiretroviral therapy (ARVs)?
Yes — during the COVID-19 era, she disclosed that she began ARV treatment after many years of managing with her immune system.
Q5: What awards has she received?
Among her honors are: being named one of South Africa’s most influential women, Iconic Woman in social development, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Zululand.
Q6: What is Positive Talk Services?
Positive Talk Services is her consultancy and platform for wellness, motivational talks, health education, and empowerment programs.
Conclusion
Criselda Kananda’s biography is a testimony to resilience, purpose, and transformation. From her early challenging years and career in nursing to her rise in media and bold HIV advocacy, she has broken barriers and inspired many. Her transparent journey—through health struggles, personal challenges, and public service—underscores her authenticity.
As she continues to shine a light on holistic wellness, fight stigma, and champion human dignity, her legacy remains a vibrant call: no matter the challenge, one can live with courage, service, and hope.
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