THERE’s nothing Mcebo Mthembu would love to do more than dance to his beloved kwaito song.
But that is impossible, for now.
For the past 21 years, 35-year-old Mcebo from Nquthu, northern KZN, has suffered from elephantiasis on his right leg.
He said it started when he was doing grade 8 in 1996.
“A small sore developed on my foot and I ignored it,” he said.
“But it didn’t heal and my right leg started swelling.”
“My late gogo took me to Madadeni Hospital a number of times.
“They gave me tablets that didn’t make any difference.”
Mcebo turned to traditional healers for help.
“The first inyanga said I was bewitched,” he said.
“The last one I saw gave me an
imbiza, which I’ve been taking since then.
“My leg is still swollen, but the pain has stopped.”
KZN health spokesman Agiza Hlongwane said Mcebo should visit his nearest hospital.
- Elephantiasis is caused by a parasite carried by mosquitoes.
Dumisani Zungu said Mcebo should accept his condition.
“Elephantiasis is a chronic illness like diabetes that can’t be cured. He should exercise so the swelling doesn’t increase and he should go back to hospital and get advice on living with elephantiasis,” said Zungu.
The President of South African Traditional Healers Association, Sazi Mhlongo said Mcebo was bewitched and he will be healed if he gets the right muthi.
“It’s a rare condition and most inyangas can’t cure it. Give him my number and I will advise him on which muthi he should get,” said Mhlongo.
