SA kwaito legend Mandoza in critical condition as family calls for prayers

Veteran record producer and Mandoza’s long-time friend Gabriel ‘Gabi’ Le Roux on Tuesday (6 September) said Mandoza’s cancer has now spread to his brain.

“A great son of our Mzansi soil is in trouble,” wrote Le Roux on Facebook. “Mandoza Nkalakatha is fighting for his life after having cancer treatment in 2015, it has unfortunately metastasized to his brain. Doctors and medical staff are trying whatever they can and we are not giving up hope for his recovery,” he said.

Le Roux wrote that Mandoza’s wife Mpho Tshabalala and the artist’s family have asked all his friends and fans to pray for him and keep him in their thoughts.

Speaking to Music In Africa this afternoon Gabi said Mandoza’s family is taking care of him at home under the guidance of medical staff.

“His condition is really bad. He had recovered very well after his treatment last year but unfortunately the cancer has come back and has spread into his brain. He now has a brain tumor. We ask for support from everyone. People who are spiritual and religious we kindly ask you to keep him in your prayers,” he added.

“That’s the only thing we can do now. Let us remember him with positive thoughts and pray or petition the ancestors to give him and his family guidance and strength at this time.”

Hundreds of people have responded to Gabi’s plea with positive messages on social media.

Mandoza, real name Mduduzi Tshabalala, has been battling with cancer for most of 2015. His health came into the spotlight last year after he was rushed to hospital twice in a space of two months. In April this year, he confirmed that he was now cancer free after a 6-week.

Mandoza and Le Roux are responsible for the biggest South African crossover hit, ‘Nkalakatha’ and its follow up, ‘Godoba’ which earned them numerous accolades in the early millennium.