Philanthropist BI Phakathi and gospel singer Thinah Zungu are leading a campaign to help raise funds for wheelchair-bound musician Fikile Mlomo’s surgery.
The award-winning gospel musician has spent two months in hospital after losing her mobility.
WHEELCHAIR-BOUND SINGER’S ILLNESS REVEALED
During an Facebook Live session this week, Mlomo revealed that the doctors told her she has a spinal tumour. As a result, she will undergo surgery.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a spinal tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column. These cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, seemingly unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells. Spinal tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
The Hayi Inyweba Abanayo hitmaker told her fans that the purpose of her Facebook Live was to confirm what Zungu had said about donations.
FIKILE MLOMO NEEDS FUNDS FOR SPINAL TUMOUR SURGERY
Zungu – who is popularly known for his hit song, Kwanqab’ Umusa – will be hosting a crowdfunding event outside The Workshop Shopping Centre, in Durban, for Mlomo to raise R50 000 or more for her surgery.
“Thinah Zungu and BI Phakathi have been leading the campaign to help raise funds for my medical care. They asked me to leave my banking details, so anyone who’d like to donate can send what they have,” Mlomo said.
The songstress spent her 42nd birthday, which was on 23 March, in hospital.
“I trust that God will get me out of here, that the operation will go well, and I will eventually be discharged so I can continue to sing and praise him. I will never stop worshipping him. I will never stop singing.”
‘I USE A WALKER OR A WHEELCHAIR’
Mlomo told her fans last month that she did not get injured, nor was she in an accident. The singer said that her lower body became numb, causing her to lose mobility in her legs.
“I use a walker or a wheelchair. People mustn’t be surprised and think I am acting because people like thinking gospel stars are acting when they tell their stories,” said the singer.
Speaking to ZiMoja, the artist said that she is no longer in pain.
“My whole body was in pain, and the next thing I fainted. I was rushed to hospital, and suddenly I couldn’t walk.
“I know this is the Lord’s will and I am leaving everything in His hands and that of doctors. I know whatever I am going through, the Lord remains in control. I know he won’t leave nor forsake me. I have prayed about it and am not sad. I remain positive whatever the result come back as,” she explained.