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Pretty Xaba

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent—
Time is running out for former Studio 263 actress Pretty Xaba who is scheduled to undergo emergency surgery in India this month. Xaba was diagnosed of cancer of the oesophagus last month and a total of $10 000 is needed for her to undergo the surgery. A total of $2 400 was raised including an air ticket to and from India. In an interview with The Herald Entertainment, co-ordinator of the “Let’s help Pretty Xaba” campaign Taonga Mafundikwa said the actress was in critical condition and the surgery was long over due.

“Pretty is in a critical condition and needs to go for the surgery as soon as yesterday. We just have the ticket but the money is not yet enough for her to leave the country,
“She is now on a strong drug called morphine and she spends the better part of her day sleeping. I was on Star FM yesterday and it seems the interview had an impact since a number of people called to make pledges and I am sure by the end of the day today, (yesterday) we would have raised a substantial amount,” he said.

Mafundikwa said they were still waiting for the corporate world to assist.
“A number of companies that we have approached have kept us on hold and we are just optimistic that they will chip in as soon as possible because we want her to leave the country before weekend,” he said.

A fortnight ago artistes from all walks of life including the Charambas, Jah Prayzah, Sulumani Chimbetu, Progress Chipfumo, BaShupi, comedians, poets, actors and actresses converged  at the Book Café for a fundraising show for the actress.

Popularly known as Siphilisiwe or Mai Muwengwa, Xaba proved to be one woman with sublime skills in the Zimbabwean acting sector.
She featured on a number of local dramas including “Xola” produced by King Dube, “Coliwe”, “I want a dress” by Tsitsi Dangarembga, “Everyone’’s Child”, “Studio 263”, “Lobola” among others.

She also had several roles in a number of radio productions and a lot of educational videos for a number of organisations.
In a previous interview with the actress, she showed that she is optimistic that she will be well and get back to her acting and advertising business.