Tilder Moyo comes to the rescue of Ezomgido’s John Phiri

JOHN “Mzala” Phiri, the former host of ZTV’s popular music show “Ezomgido”, is facing a tough time after suffering a stroke that left him with a speech impairment.

The stroke has affected his ability to take care of himself and his family. However, he is not alone in his struggle, as veteran journalist Tilder Moyo has stepped in to offer him assistance and support.

Mzala, who used to light up the screens every Thursday evening in the 90s with his co-host Eric ‘General’ Knight, was a household name and a source of joy for many viewers. Their show, “Ezomgido”, featured musical performances and interviews that entertained and informed the fans. The show was a hit and made Mzala and Knight a dynamic duo in the Zimbabwean media industry.

However, Mzala’s current situation is far from glamorous, as he recently revealed in an interview on Tilder’s Facebook show, Tilder Live Zim. The once vibrant presenter looked frail and subdued, a stark contrast to his former self. Tilder Moyo visited his home in Glenview, Harare and exposed the harsh realities he is facing, such as lack of running water and outdated furniture.

Tilder, who runs a foundation that helps people in need, said she has mobilised various stakeholders to help Mzala. She said he is currently receiving speech and physiotherapy, as well as eye care. She also said she has hired a contractor to assess the cost of refurbishing his house.

“Through Tilder Foundation we have engaged a number of companies and individuals to assist Mzala and at the moment he is attending to a speech and physio therapist. He is also seeing an optician and will receive new glasses in short time.

“There is also a challenge with his house where there is no running water, overall furniture is outdated and urgently needs replacement,” she said.

She added that she will appeal to well-wishers to donate to Mzala’s cause.

“We have got a construction company that is doing a bill of quantities so that we can have finer details of what exactly is needed. Thereafter we will call on well-wishers through Tilder Foundation to assist a legend and a good man in Mzala,” she said. -@mthabisi_mthire