Criselda Kananda is a mother, Inspirational Speaker, Professional Counselor, Ex 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. Read on for the Criselda Kananda biography.

Criselda Kananda Biography

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, growth, personal financial management, psychological wellbeing, nutrition, rest and recreation, love, life and relationships, health, and sexually transmitted disease management.

Criselda Kananda served as a Member of  the Board of Trustees at the National AIDS Counsel (SANEC) 2005-2006, was board member of South African Food Gardens Foundation, to mention a few. She is also a strategic advisor for Khomanani, government comprehensive communication plan 2003- to date.

Criselda Kananda’s Achievements

Her credentials include:
•    In 2006 represented South Africa in New York during the United Nations General Assembly Special Meeting on communicable diseases, commissioned by Mr Koffi Annan
•    She 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 the City Press/ Rapport prestigious award as one of ten most influential South African Women.
•    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 represented South Africa in London on a task team selected by the Mellinda and Bill Gates: The Foundation to establish a Global Wellness Communication Strategy.
•    She has been actively involved in the fight for the rights of both the HIV infected and HIV negative people.
•    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
•    Criselda has also studied towards Psycho-Neuro immunology, Health and Positive Living, MDP with the Gordon institute of SA, Project Management, Direct Marketing and Business Communication, amongst many
•    She has also recorded an 8 track Positive Talk CD and wrote a Booklet focusing on holistic wellness, has a website www.positivetalk.co.za which educates and gives people access to basic information about wellness and provides a platform of sharing of life challenges and successes without being judged.
•    Olay Iconic Woman in social development 2009
•    Parable leadership 2009
•    Inaugural Feather award for Role Model of the Year 2009

Since Criselda was diagnosed with HIV antibodies 10yrs ago, she has lived a healthy, symptom free and positive life. This has compelled her to study immunity and AIDS progression, investigated the research available regarding Nutrition, Behavior and HIV and AIDS in her own personal life. As she was diagnosed with HIV antibodies 11yrs ago, has since lived a healthy, symptom free and positive life. She has also studied towards Psycho-Neuro immunology, Health and Positive Living, MDP with the Gordon institute of SA, Project Management, Direct Marketing, Business Communication, and currently studying towards a bachelor of Human Ecology with UNISA.