Multi-award winning musician Zahara, whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutukana, has been hospitalized for over a week due to serious liver issues. According to sources close to the family, the 36-year-old Loliwe singer was initially admitted to a medical ward at a private Johannesburg hospital but her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to the ICU.
It is understood Zahara was admitted with complications affecting her liver. A family insider shared her liver is severely scarred and she may require an organ transplant. Members of Zahara's family from her hometown of East London have traveled to be with her fiancé Mpho Xaba, who has remained at her bedside.
"Her liver is severely scarred and she may need a liver transplant," said a source close to her family. Some of her family members from East London have come to Joburg to be with her fiance Mpho Xaba, who has been supportive since she fell ill. "They are also holding prayer vigils for her to get better in both Joburg and East London, where she comes from," the source said. The source added that her family is trying their best to pay for extensive tests because she doesn't have comprehensive medical aid coverage. According to the source, Zahara's family and her fiance Mpho have made sure to put a ring fence around her, with no one allowed to speak to the media or visit her at the Joburg North private hospital.
With the singer lacking comprehensive medical insurance, her loved ones are struggling to cover the costs of extensive testing and treatment. Prayer vigils are being held in both Johannesburg and East London for her recovery.
Sources say Zahara's family is appealing to those in the industry who helped launch her career for financial support. Famed producer TK Nciza discovered Zahara's talents early on and took her under his wing, while she lived with his ex-wife Nhlanhla Mafu for over a year, developing a close bond.
"We hear that she is aware that Zahara is battling with her health and she needs to do some tests. We are trying to get her to assist her financially because when TK took her to Joburg to record in 2010, Zahara stayed with them at their home for over a year. "As a mother, Nhlanhla will understand the situation that Zahara is in because she is the one who taught her about the hustle and bustle of the fast life of Joburg. They became so close that Zahara would tell us that Nhlanhla treated her like her daughter," the source said.
"This is the time when her former boss, TK Nciza should come to her rescue. He is the one who discovered her when she was still a busker in the streets and at pubs. TK is a politician and should show ubuntu by helping this girl with her hospital bills," the source said. Another source said: "Do they want Zahara to die so that they can also claim they loved her? The sad this is that Zahara's fiance is doing his best to save her. But the family needs money because the tests she is doing run into thousands of rands."When called for comment, her manager Oyama Dyobisa refused to comment unless we revealed our sources to him. "Then go ask your sources for the comment,' he said.
Unfortunately, Zahara's manager declined to provide any official comment or verify details, requesting sources be disclosed first. As the beloved artist fights for her health, loved ones can only hope assistance arrives so her medical needs can be fully addressed during this challenging time.
