Thobeka Mbane shares a heartfelt appeal and sheds light on a lifelong medical journey

In a deeply vulnerable post, the renowned stylist and GLAMOUR’s Most GLAMOURous honouree revealed that she has been living with permanent scoliosis, a condition that developed after she was diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis in childhood.

Spinal TB, a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, affects the vertebrae and can lead to structural deformities of the spine. For Thobeka, the long-term effects have been significant. The spinal curvature has placed pressure on her lungs, contributing to chronic respiratory complications, including recurrent lung infections and an increased risk of blood clots, a known concern in individuals with limited mobility or compromised oxygenation.

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To manage her condition, she relies on supplemental oxygen and must travel with a portable oxygen concentrator, a medical device that delivers oxygen therapy by extracting and concentrating oxygen from the surrounding air. While essential for maintaining her daily functioning and mobility, renting the machine has become financially unsustainable, leaving her in mounting debt.

Owning a portable oxygen concentrator would not only provide her with consistent access to the oxygen she needs but would also significantly reduce her financial burden and improve her quality of life. Through her BackaBuddy campaign, Thobeka is appealing to South Africans for support in securing this vital piece of medical equipment.

Widely celebrated for her creative work and industry accolades, Mbane’s career demands constant movement and presence. Supporting her initiative is not only an investment in her health, but also in enabling her to continue shaping South Africa’s fashion and creative landscape with the same passion and excellence she’s known for.

To support Thobeka's meaningful initiative, access her BackaBuddy campaign page here