Getting straight As in your GCSEs is impressive enough but Zinzi Sibanda did it while being a young carer for her mother - and notching up a writing award. Since she was 12 years old Zinzi has juggled schoolwork with helping her mother Donna with everyday tasks like cleaning, shopping, cooking, household admin and even dressing on bad days.
Donna was diagnosed with autoimmune limbic encephalitis, which left her with a brain injury in 2018. Since then Zinzi, now 16, has looked after her at the same time as studying at St Cyres High in Penarth and pursuing her dreams.
Studying for A levels in chemistry, biology and maths, Zinzi hopes to get into an Oxbridge college to study chemistry. She got one step further pursuing her dream when she achieved straight As in her GCSEs this summer.
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The talented 16-year-old also plays the ukulele, loves music and photography and recently won a young peace writers award from the Welsh Centre for International Affairs. Three of her photos of Cardiff are featured in the National Theatre Wales Mycelium Gallery
All this at the same time as looking after her mother. Zinzi is not supported by any organisation and independently manages her time between caring responsibilities and her studies.
Now her achievements have been recognised with a Young Carers Award in the National Black History Wales Youth Awards. The awards, organised by Race Council Cymru, were held at the Senedd as part of events to launch Black History Month in Wales.
Receiving her accolade Zinzi said: “To tell the truth I didn’t expect it. I was very shocked when my name was called. But I think having an award like this in itself is a total honour as it really shows that even when you don’t believe it, overcoming adversities and showcasing excellence in big or little ways really does not go unnoticed.”
Zinzi’s mother, who nominated her for the award, said she was “so proud” of her daughter, but couldn’t claim credit. Donna, who ran the Donna Sibanda Heart and Soul Hour on Radio Cardiff, before getting ill, said she hoped to award would help Zinzi keep aiming high.
“I am super proud of Zinzi but can’t take the credit. She’s done it all herself. I hate the fact that my condition means she has this extra pressure.
“I was diagosed with autoimmune limbic encephalitis in 2018 which has left me with problems with my memory and I also get confused and can be impulsive. Sometimes I’m very unwell and need help dressing. Zinzi has a heart of gold.”
With her daughter’s help she’s even been able to recently go back to her job in a funeral home 10 hours a week. Zinzi lives with her mum and dad Shepherd Sibanda in Cardiff Bay and has two older brothers who are away at university.
Donna said there are cultural differences to caring, which are often misunderstood.
“Zinzi’s attitude towards her responsibility is very different to her friends from different cultures who don’t have the same obligations and traditional family duties that come expected and normal within the African and Caribbean communities. It’s like caring for me, her mother, is a way of life. This was landed on her. It affects her social life and puts pressure on her school life."
Professor Uzo Iwobi founder and CEO of Race Council Cymru said: “The theme of the year “Young People, the Time is Now” is a call to action for all young people to speak up about the contributions of Black people to society, to call out racist injustices, to challenge adults around them to be inclusive.
“This is the year where society is encouraged to hear the voices of young people and recognise them as future generation leaders.”
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