JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA
RENOWNED artist Cont Mhlanga (pictured) has been admitted to a health care facility in Bulawayo.
The Amakhosi Theatre founder Mhlanga has been under constant and close medical supervision since Friday 22 July and is currently stable and responding well to treatment.
The Mhlanga family has since requested members of the public to remain hopeful and keep him and the family in their prayers.
In a statement, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Tuesday advised the public to desist from raising alarm about Cont Mhlanga’s health condition.
“While, understandably, as international art and cultural icon Cont’s health condition raises a lot of interest, however, members of the public are encouraged to resist the temptation of raising unwarranted alarm over his health condition.
“The Family spokesperson Miss Gcina Mhlanga, Fairtalk Communications and the NACZ will from now on be responsible for communicating any relevant information related to Mr. Mhlanga’s illness,” Rodney Ruwende NACZ communication and marketing manager said.
“All other statements emanating from sources other than the ones mentioned above should not be regarded as the official position of the family or his close associates.”
Meanwhile, he said, the NACZ would like to urge players in the sector and the public to exercise restraint and desist from communicating private family matters on public platforms.
“The NACZ implores practitioners not to abuse the social media space to communicate false and unverified information following the events of the past two days where players have been communicating about the health of NAMA legend Cont Mhlanga.
“Members of the public should disregard any messages currently circulating on social media purporting to be representing his family and seeking financial assistance for his medical treatment.
“The Mhlanga family is grateful for the words of encouragement and prayers and appreciates the love that has been shown by practitioners in the CCIs and members of the public during this period,” Ruwende said.
