Gospel music sensation Fikile Mlomo has been discharged from Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban following successful surgery to remove a spinal tumour. Mlomo (42) had been in hospital for more than two months had been confined to a wheelchair since falling ill earlier this year.

SPINAL TUMOUR

Mlomo announced in March that she had been in hospital for weeks after she experience back pain, fainted and woke up in hospital. "I was taken to the hospital and all of a sudden I couldn't walk," she told ZiMoja at the time. She was wheelchair-bound for a few weeks while doctors were doing several tests to get to the bottom of her condition. After two months in the hospital, she was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumour, which according to Mayo Clinic, might be caused by something in the environment such as exposure to certain chemicals. It is usually identified by an abnormal mass of tissue surrounding or within the spinal cord. After her diagnosis, fellow artist and philanthropist BI Phakathi led a fundraising campaign to help raise funds for her medical care. On 26 April, the Fikile Mlomo Prayers and Fundraising for Operations Concert was hosted by BI Phakathi and fellow musician Tinah Zungu. The event was held at GNF Durban Station and Mlomo performed from a wheelchair. She shared the stage with artists such as Babo Ngcobo, Sobekil, Jumbo, Sigwili, NUZ Voices of Joy, Lamontville Gospel Choir, Tinah Zungu and Icebo Team.

RECOVERED 

She had the surgery to remove the tumour and said a few weeks ago she felt sensation in her legs. Recently, Tinah Zungu who boasts over 500 000 followers confirmed that the singer has been discharged from hospital and that she has fully recovered. He wrote on his socials: "Our sister Fikile Mlomo has been discharged from the hospital thanks to your donations and prayers. Once she has fully recovered, she plans to go to the studio to create new music," Gospel musician and co-founder of Joyous Celebration Jabu Hlongwane replied to Zungu saying, "Praise Jehovah. May the Lord give you further support." Called for comment Mlomo said God is good. She said, "I thank God. I can't wait to get back on stage. God is truly good."