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Time running out for Pretty Xaba

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FORMER Studio 263 actress Pretty Xaba’s condition is deteriorating and time is running out for her to be flown out to India for an urgent cancer operation.

FORMER Studio 263 actress Pretty Xaba’s condition is deteriorating and time is running out for her to be flown out to India for an urgent cancer operation.

WINSTONE ANTONIO OWN CORRESPONDENT

This was said by the co-ordinator of the fundraising campaign dubbed Let’s Help Pretty Xaba Campaign that hosted a fundraising concert attended by several artistes last week.

A number of companies also made pledges towards the forthcoming trip, but Taonga Mafundikwa the co-ordinator yesterday said time was running out.

“Time is running out for Pretty to fly and I am urging those who made pledges to bring them so that we quickly fly our sister to India this week for the operation,” Mafundikwa said.

“As it stands I am hoping that by tomorrow (today) we would receive all the pledges that are yet to come as the situation needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

Mafundikwa said Xaba was taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital yesterday morning before being transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals as the situation had deteriorated.

Among the companies that have so far fulfilled their pledges are the Affirmative Action Group (AAG) which donated her air ticket and handed it over at an emotional event at her home in Eastlea.

AAG had pledged the ticket valued at $1 500 during a fundraising show held at Book Café last week.

Xaba broke down when the ticket was handed over to her.

“Mazvita henyu. Mwari vakukomborerei (Thank you. May God bless you),” she said breaking down into tears.

Xaba’s aunt Ruth, who was also reduced to tears, said: “Thank you nekutirerutsira kwamaita. Tanga takaomerwa tichifunga kuti zvino totangira payi asi tave napo zvino pekutangira (Thank you for lightening the burden. We were wondering where we would start in mobilising the resources, but you have been of great help),” she said.

Xaba was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus and she requires an urgent operation whose cost is in the range of $15 000.

Harare Province AAG President Liberty Bizure said as an economic lobby group they were moved by Pretty’s plight.

“From the founders’ council we saw it necessary to assist Mai Muvengwa with the little we have as someone who has been entertaining us and became a role model who has inspired many to venture in acting,” Bizure said.

“People like Pretty worked tirelessly to keep us glued to our small screens and this is the only way of showing gratitude to our artistes.”

Present at the handover ceremony were AAG Mashonaland East leader Munyaradzi Kashambe and Mashonaland West AAG’s Mike Chimombe, author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembwa and former Studio 263 actress Elizabeth Nyangwidza who starred as Tete Jari among others.

Xaba has taken part in a number of plays and films among them Wedding Dress, Something Nice From London, and several radio dramas.

She has also featured in advertisements for prominent organisations.