Ex-minister suffers stroke

Asthma attack triggers condition
Liberation stalwart in hospital ICU

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
FORMER Cabinet minister Cde Sikhanyiso Ndlovu has been admitted to Mater Dei Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Bulawayo after suffering a stroke on Saturday night.

The independence war stalwart, who sits in the Zanu-PF politburo and previously served as Education and later Information Minister, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday after first suffering an asthma attack. The ex-minister’s brother, Simangaliso Ndlovu, yesterday said Cde Ndlovu suffered an asthma attack before the stroke.

“He went down with an asthma attack which resulted in him having a mild stroke. He’s recovering at Mater Dei’s ICU,” said Ndlovu.

He said Cde Ndlovu’s condition has greatly improved, saying the weekend cold spell could have contributed to his condition.

He expressed gratitude to family and friends who have been visiting Cde Ndlovu while he is admitted in hospital.

“He has been receiving a lot of support from his family and friends. His archbishop came all the way from Harare to pray for him. More people have been very supportive and wishing him a speedy recovery,” he said.

Ndlovu said he was disappointed by the service delivery offered by Mars Ambulance Service, claiming after being telephoned following the stroke, they did not show up.

“We ended up getting assistance from neighbours who rushed him to the hospital. Mars should improve their service delivery as they’re dealing with lives,” Ndlovu said.

The Chronicle yesterday evening visited the hospital where family and friends were trooping in to visit Cde Ndlovu, but the news crew was denied entry.

Zanu-PF politburo Cde Absalom Sikhosana and his wife were among the visitors.

Cde Dennis Ndlovu, Zanu-PF acting Bulawayo provincial chair, said: “As Zanu-PF Bulawayo province, we saw it fit that members of the public should be notified about his illness. He’s still in the hospital and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Cde Ndlovu is a renowned educationist and founder of the Zimbabwe Distance Education College (ZDECO).

He is also the chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) schools.