By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Zanu-PF musician Chief Hwenje is set to travel to South Africa for medical attention following his diagnosis with lymphoma, a serious type of blood cancer that affects the immune system. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The musician, whose real name is Admire Sanyanga Sibanda, is 37 years old and had initially retreated to his rural home in Shanyura village to focus on his recovery away from the public eye. His diagnosis has significantly impacted his health, leading him to make the difficult decision to cut his iconic locks and undergo essential surgery and treatment.
In his post, Charamba announced that Chief Hwenje would be flown to South Africa for further medical attention.
While he did not specify the exact timing of the trip, he expressed optimism about the musician’s recovery, stating, “He will be fine. He is leaving for SA for attention.”
However, the announcement has sparked a conversation about the broader healthcare challenges facing ordinary Zimbabweans. Controversial freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono responded to Charamba’s tweet, highlighting the plight of many citizens who lack access to adequate medical care.
He remarked, “What about YOU, who is not a ZANUPF singer? What about everyone else, as ordinary as they are Zimbabwean? Ordinary Zimbabweans are simply dying in their homes without treatment because the health system collapsed years ago. Those who survive are the ones fortunate enough to cross the border into South Africa to seek healthcare.”
As Chief Hwenje prepares for his journey, the situation underscores the ongoing struggles within Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, raising questions about equity and access to medical treatment for all citizens.