MAI Muwengwa is unwell.
She is the famous actress whose birth name Pretty Xaba has been overshadowed by her great works and the names of the characters she has portrayed in innumerable films and theatre productions.
So commanding and brilliant is she in her chosen profession that she is known by the various names of the characters she has portrayed.
Xaba, a Zulu, born in Mashingaidze Village in Mhondoro was catapulted to greater heights by the then popular soap Studio 263 in which she played the role of the wife of the late veteran actor Neverney Chinyanga popularly known as ‘Muwengwa’.
And she delivered a performance that long after the cameras stopped rolling fans have not forgotten the character she played.
The award winning actress is suffering from oesophageal cancer and is in desperate need of financial assistance.
It is common knowledge that the arts industry in the country does not meaningfully remunerate practitioners.
Most have died paupers or were reduced to mere beggars not because of irresponsibility, which is what many think considering the star level that has been achieved by some artistes that find themselves in unfortunate circumstances.
The industry does not pay, period.
And so Mai Muwengwa the vivacious and talented actress finds herself in a horrible situation where she is battling for her life and also the fact of not being in a position to foot her medical bills.
Cancer is not only horrible, but is an expensive condition to combat.
The tests and processes of treatment are expensive and beyond the reach even of those gainfully employed.
“After this cancer was detected by doctors, it dawned on me that I now required money for an operation,” said the actress in a local daily this week.
“I have since ruled out South Africa where ZAR2,8 million is required, which is beyond my reach.
“The only option I have is India where the results of the endoscopy have been sent. I now require financial support because I cannot make ends meet especially when I am down with illness.”
It is time that stakeholders repay her, especially the corporate sector.
She is definitely in no position to foot the astronomical bills required to ensure that she prevails against the cancer threatening her life.
Not only has Pretty, who will next month, turn 49 been outstanding and brilliant in the film industry, but she has lent her beautiful husky voice to the corporate world.
The number of radio commercials that the artiste, currently being looked after by her daughter-in-law has featured in, are too many to count.
Companies great and small, many that are thriving have benefited from the talents of the woman who all her life has never begged, but hustled in a tough industry.
She has also been involved in awareness campaigns for many non-profitable organisations.
While every other artiste has extended a begging bowl here and there, Pretty has been known to be a hard worker who has remained tireless in seeking works in the unkind and cutthroat industry.
If the arts industry paid well, then the likes of Pretty would be the local version of the Angelina Jolies, in terms of wealth.
It is time that beneficiaries especially in the corporate sector as well as the fans extend support to one of the country’s best actress.
She needs the support now and not in the future and we must, as a nation ensure that she gets it without fail, in time.
The multi-lingual actress in a career spanning over two decades has delivered without fail, featuring in educational and highly entertaining Ndebele, Shona and English productions.
The so-called representatives of the arts industry must play a leading role in ensuring that Pretty is not relegated to her own fate and forgotten.
As much as we appreciate and respect the actress’ privacy regular updates as to how she is doing will not be amiss.
She has given us so much for so little.
Let us not let her down.