South African gospel singer Lundi Tyamara battles for life

News of his illness flooded the internet and social media on Monday, and the singer’s family released a statement calling South Africans to unite in prayer.

"We ask his fans, supporters, followers, well-wishers and the general public to keep praying for his healing as his condition remains worryingly critical,” reads the statement. “As believers, we know that through God's intervention he will overcome these illnesses.”

The gospel star was rushed to the hospital on Monday when his liver stopped functioning. Since December he has been in and out of hospital after he was diagnosed with stomach Tuberculosis (TB) and a liver condition.

“We are not giving up on Lundi,” said a statement from his manager, Anele Hlazo. “We believe that through God’s grace he will pull through. He may not be doing well right now, but he is a fighter.”

President Jacob Zuma has wished the music star a speedy recovery urging South Africans to keep him and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

Leader of political party Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, encouraged friends and fans to keep Lundi in their prayers: “The family appreciates the hard work and the care that the nursing and medical staff at the hospital has been putting in for his recovery and they’re also thankful for the outpouring of support from all quarters of the South African society and our neighboring countries.

“We ask his fans, supporters, followers, well-wishers and the general public to keep praying for his healing as his condition remains worryingly critical. As believers we know that through God’s intervention he will overcome these illnesses. We will share regular updates on his condition.”