Last week gospel singer Hlengiwe Mhlaba told Zimoja about how happy and grateful she was to be a part of Ungazibulali Campaign, where she was expected to give a talk on mental health and fighting mental illness. But the Dwala Lami hitmaker broke her leg on the day of her highly anticipated performance in Sandton last week Friday.

BREAKING HER ANKLE

According to highly-placed sources, Mhlaba missed a step and broke her ankle. The source says she did not know the severity of her injuries at first. "She initially took it lightly until her leg started swelling up," adds the source. According to another source, after complaining about her pain getting worse, she was rushed to the emergency room and a small operation was performed. "Everyone took it lightly we thought it was just a minor injury but it was actually a big deal," adds the source.

According to the source despite Mhlaba being rushed to hospital, the event went on as planned. The only two people who were visibly missing were Hlengiwe Mhlaba and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula who could not make it due to last-minute commitments. "But the event was well attended, Somizi did a good job as the MC and performances were great too," adds the source. The source added that there were plenty of performers to cover up for Hlengiwe even though many people wanted to see her live. 

CANCELLING HER BOOKINGS AND PERFORMANCES

ZiMoja can confirm that Mhlaba had to cancel all her commitments for the next few weeks until she is fully recovered. According to the source she was supposed to conduct interviews to promote another upcoming big event she is headlining. The organiser of the event, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they are not worried as yet. "We still have time, we not panicking as yet. She must take all the time to heal and get better," adds the source. It also remains unclear whether she has since been transferred back to Durban or she is still here in JHB.

WOUNDS OF THE PAST

Last week, Mhlaba opened up for the first time about suffering from depression. After years of silence, she took the initiative and shared her story of how she survived depression and mental illness caused by the physical abuse her mother suffered at the hands of her father. She also shared about how she hid her depression by focusing more on her music. Mhlaba says she had to seek professional help after many years of being haunted by her dark past. When ZiMoja called her, she refused to speak citing that she was still in pain. "I just want to rest I can’t talk at the moment," she said.