Johannesburg – Veteran actress Sophie Ndaba has shared a deeply personal and inspiring account of her battle with diabetes, dispelling rumours and showcasing her remarkable resilience. In a recent speech at the 20th-anniversary celebration of a security company in Potchefstroom, North West, Ndaba recounted her journey, revealing the emotional toll of battling a chronic illness while facing public speculation and judgement.
Sophie Ndaba’s story begins long before her public health struggles. She spoke of her early life as a young caregiver for her parents, both of whom suffered from Type 1 diabetes. This early experience laid the foundation for her understanding of the disease, but also foreshadowed her own future health challenges.
"I became a caregiver to my parents at a very young age," she recalled. "We lived in the township, and back then, helpers or live-in nurses weren’t a norm. Both my parents suffered from Type 1 diabetes, which meant that they needed insulin. I played the role of a nurse because I assumed that I knew the disease well enough. Little did I know that my turn was coming. Back then, we didn’t have digital machines to helps us gauge blood sugar levels. So, I had to prick them with a needle every morning before breakfast, and use a colour chart to determine the blood sugar levels."
This early responsibility, coupled with a demanding career as a working actress, meant Ndaba often neglected her own health. "I was juggling my career and being a caretaker at the same time, not realising that the biggest blow of my life was yet to come," she explained.
The simultaneous hospitalisation of both her parents in ICU proved a turning point. Facing immense financial strain, Ndaba made difficult sacrifices, including selling her house to ensure her parents received the best possible care.
"My parents fell ill at the same time, and were both admitted to ICU at the same hospital," Sophie Ndaba recounted. "My mother was admitted first, followed by my father the very next day. Fortunately, I could afford the hospital bills, although it wasn’t easy because I wasn’t on any medical aid — and so couldn’t add them as beneficiaries. I had bought a house in Protea Glen that I eventually had to rent out so I could stay afloat financially. I ended up having to sell it because I didn’t want my parents to end up in a public hospital. Unfortunately, the money was still not enough."
Tragically, Ndaba’s mother passed away while her father was still in hospital. The emotional and financial strain continued as she cared for her ailing father, who later succumbed to kidney failure. During this period, Ndaba herself was diagnosed with diabetes.
"I was prediabetic during this period, but had no idea," she shared. "One day while walking around a mall in 2015, I suddenly felt dizzy and my vision completely blurred out. I can’t even recall the exact date because I have blocked out all the traumatic events that I experienced in my life. I rushed to the nearest pharmacy and bought a testing kit. I pricked myself, only to find that my blood sugar level was over 20 mg/dl. I immediately checked myself in to a hospital where I was admitted for over two weeks. Just like that, my personal journey with diabetes began."
The subsequent years were marked by significant weight loss, debilitating symptoms, and the relentless emotional toll of caring for her parents and battling her own illness. Yet, amidst this adversity, Ndaba faced another challenge – the cruel rumours and speculation surrounding her health.
"People are always quick to judge when they haven’t walked a kilometre, or two, in your shoes — nor do they realise how much their judgement affects your healing," she said. "People had a lot of mean things to say without knowing my journey. Some said I was dying of HIV/AIDS, and so the distressing comments would ensue all over again."
However, Ndaba’s spirit remained unbroken. She drew strength from connecting with others facing similar challenges, finding solace in shared experiences and mutual support.
"I started feeling better each time I would receive messages from others telling me that they were going through the same scrutiny in their respective lives," she explained.
"I encouraged them to speak up, and push through the pain. I’ve always wanted to be an ambassador of hope, but realise that I first have to fight for myself. I have to take care of Sophie, and let her heal, too. My mission is to get back to being fabulous. I am an original queen, and I am claiming back my space. It has been hard, but here I am honey! I still have my lashes on, and I’m at my best and God on my side. I keep reminding myself that there is definitely a rainbow after every storm."
Today, Ndaba is thriving. She has regained her health, returned to her Johannesburg mansion, and resumed her career as an events organiser and motivational speaker. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of self-care, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
She continues to inspire others with her message of hope and perseverance, proving that even after facing unimaginable loss and hardship, it is possible to not only survive but to truly thrive.
