Meet Criselda Kananda

Criselda Kananda is a mother, Radio and Television Presenter, dynamic business woman, Facilitator, Inspirational Speaker, Professional Counselor, Former Nurse and medical underwriter. 

She has worked with different government departments, as well as the corporate sector on implementing workplace wellness programs nationally and internationally. She owns a consultancy and talk service called Positive Talk Services, focusing amongst other services on workplace wellness programs and advocating for total wellbeing and this includes topics on: Self-development and growth. 

Personal financial management, Psychological wellbeing, Nutrition, Rest and recreation, Love, life and relationships, Health, sexually transmitted disease management and Developmental issues. Criselda is also an ambassador for projects she holds close to her heart, which includes- Orange Babies International, the HEAIDS programme, the Fezile Dabi Concert, and lastly, a proud ambassador of KZN Tourism. She is currently working on her book, which focuses on simplified HIV Health education and management.  

Public Service:

In 2006 represented South Africa in New York during the United Nations General Assembly Special Meeting on communicable diseases, commissioned by Mr Koffie Annan. Criselda received an award from the First Lady Mrs Zanele Mbeki for her contribution towards the up-liftment of young women in South Africa as an ambassador for the Young South African Women in Dialogue. She also received City Press/ Rapport prestigious award as one of ten most influential South African Women.

Recognized as one of South African’s Iconic women 2009, recently awarded Parable Leadership Award for 2009.  She traveled with Metro-fm to 18 countries around the continent, introducing the concept of using Radio as an effective medium in curbing diseases through education.

She has been actively involved in the fight for the rights of both the HIV infected and HIV negative people. This has compelled her to study immunity and AIDS progression, investigated the research available regarding Nutrition and human Behavior. She has also studied towards Psycho-Neuro immunology, Health and Positive Living, Management Development Programme with the Gordon institute of SA, Project Management, Direct Marketing, Business Communication, amongst many. 

She left her very successful career in sales and marketing at the time she was heading a direct marketing business unit for SA Post Office to advocate for wellness. She has been invited as a speaker and presented papers at many conferences and meetings amongst many was a meeting of the SADEC Health Ministers on wellness.

Radio and Television:

She started, a radio talk show called Positive Talk in 2003 on KAYA-FM focusing on how HIV and AIDS impacts on health, wellness and socio economic imbalances. She produced and hosted the talk show every Monday evening 19:30 to 21:00 and has been featured on several newspapers, magazines including Oprah Winfrey’s O magazine and television programs locally and abroad.

She now co-produces and hosts an even better and bigger show focusing on healthy body, mind and spirit on METRO-FM every Wednesday and Thursday evening 19:00 to 21:00. She has also recorded an 8 track Positive Talk CD and wrote a Booklet focusing on holistic wellness, has a website that allows people to access basic information about wellness and allows people to post their stories without being judged.

Hosted Kaelo stories of hope on SABC2 season 1&2

Live It – SABC 1

TV Tribute to Late Nelson Mandela on SABC1

Health Talk Show Host - Channel 190 ED on DSTV

Some of her awards include:

·         First Lady Mrs Zanele Mbeki honoured her for her contribution towards the up-liftment of young women in South Africa as an ambassador for the Young South African Women in Dialogue 2007

·         City Press/ Rapport prestigious award as one of ten most influential South African Women 2007

·         Olay Iconic Woman in social development 2009

·         Parable leadership 2009

·         Inaugural Feather award for Role Model of the Year 2009

·         Feather award for Heroine of the year 2010

·         Metro FM Talk also received an MTN Radio Award in 2013

·         Skutu Mogafe Foundation Award for Greatness 2014 for her contribution in Community Development.

   

Some of the occasions where she was invited to address the masses include the Launch of former President Nelson Mandela’s call for the traditional leaders to act in the fight against the pandemic.  Former President Mandela referred to Criselda as “a role model for Africa and the light for the world.” Mrs Zanele Mbeki, former first lady of South Africa said in her speech: “Criselda is the hope that the World has been looking for.” 

During the launch of Men fighting against HIV and AIDS Minister Mantombazana Tshabalala-Msimanga said Criselda is an Eye Opener and this is to name a few. She has addressed many woman groups including South African Woman in Dialogue (SAWID) and Young SAWID with a total membership of 300 000, Executive Reserve Club, Sowetan Women's Club, DENOSA-nurses union, Black Management Forum, to mention a few.

She strives to look good at all times and continues giving hope by educating simple ways of living a Positive Life with any terminal condition by encouraging individuals to focus on a personal revolution and encourages prevention. To her this means looking after one’s Body, Mind and Soul. Being responsible for our own actions and choices.

Board Service:

·         Board of Trustees at the National AIDS Counsel (SANAC) 2005-2006,

·         South African Food Gardens Foundation

·         South African Women in Dialogue

Her philosophy are to instill these simple values:

Three R's

Respect for self

Respect others

Responsibility for choices made.

Social Network Presence:

Has 320 000 followers on Facebook as Criselda Kananda and Positive Talk

85 000 on Twitter @positivegp and @metrofmtalk

25 000 on Instagram and other business networks.