Multi-award-winning musician Zahara has reportedly been rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill at home. The 36-year-old singer whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutukana has been in hospital for almost a week, a source close to her confirmed. ZiMoja understands that the Loliwe singer was first admitted to a medical ward, but her condition became worse and she was transferred to the ICU section of the private hospital in Johannesburg."

The source told ZiMoja that Zahara was admitted with liver complications and that she is receiving treatment. "Her liver is severely scarred and she may need a liver transplant," said a source close to her family. Some of her family members from East London have come to Joburg to be with her fiance Mpho Xaba, who has been supportive since she fell ill. "They are also holding prayer vigils for her to get better in both Joburg and East London, where she comes from," the source said. The source added that her family is trying their best to pay for extensive tests because she doesn't have comprehensive medical aid coverage. According to the source, Zahara's family and her fiance Mpho have made sure to put a ring fence around her, with no one allowed to speak to the media or visit her at the Joburg North private hospital.

A source from Zahara's family in the Eastern Cape told ZiMoja that they are trying to get hold of Mafikizolo singer Nhlanhla Mafu, who is former record label owner Thembinkosi 'TK' Nciza's ex-wife to assist Zahara financially. "We hear that she is aware that Zahara is battling with her health and she needs to do some tests. We are trying to get her to assist her financially because when TK took her to Joburg to record in 2010, Zahara stayed with them at their home for over a year. "As a mother, Nhlanhla will understand the situation that Zahara is in because she is the one who taught her about the hustle and bustle of the fast life of Joburg. They became so close that Zahara would tell us that Nhlanhla treated her like her daughter," the source said. "This is the time when her former boss, TK Nciza should come to her rescue. He is the one who discovered her when she was still a busker in the streets and at pubs. TK is a politician and should show ubuntu by helping this girl with her hospital bills," the source said. Another source said: "Do they want Zahara to die so that they can also claim they loved her? The sad this is that Zahara's fiance is doing his best to save her. But the family needs money because the tests she is doing run into thousands of rands."When called for comment, her manager Oyama Dyobisa refused to comment unless we revealed our sources to him. "Then go ask your sources for the comment,' he said.