adminSophia Chese Arts Correspondent
Actress Pretty Xaba who is battling cancer is set to leave Harare on Saturday for surgery in India. Xaba who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer two months ago received $18 000 from Prophetic Healing and Deliverence founder Walter Magaya to cover her medical bills.
This brings the total assistance extended to Xaba to $20 400 after $2 400 was realised from a fundraising show held at the Book Café last month.
Coordinator of the fundraising team Taonga Mafundikwa said he is grateful to everyone who has played a part in helping Xaba.
“We are happy that we now have sufficient funds, a big thank you to Prophet Magaya and all those who came forward to pledge. As Zimbabweans we have proved that we are united,
“We have done the paper work, we were waiting for a medical letter from a local doctor which certifies that she is fit to fly and we now have it. We have also received the invitation letter from India so I can safely say everything is under control and confirm that Pretty will be leaving the country on Saturday,” he said.
Ruth Xaba, Pretty’s sister-in-law who has been taking care of the actress said her condition had improved significantly and she was fit to travel.
“She can now talk, eat and walk, something she was not able to do for the past weeks and as a family we are happy. We are just optimistic that she will come back well from India,
“She will be accompanied by her niece Noma Xaba,” she said.
The initial amount required for the surgery was $10 000, but it has doubled because Xaba now requires special treatment in and outside hospital due to her deteriorating condition.
Xaba has featured in a number of productions including “Xola”, “Coliwe”, Tsitsi Dangarembga’’s “I want a dress”, “Everyone”s Child”, “Studio 263”, and “Lobola”.
She has also had several roles in a number of radio productions and did educational videos for a number of organisations.
Online Reporter