Christmas came early for budding singer star Phumla Mvelase after her ailing music career got a boost. She attracted the attention kwaito legend and activist, Eugene Mthethwa when she pleaded for the public to help her pay her rent on social media. Mvelase was owing her landlord thousands of Rands for eight months' rent.
A PLEA FOR HELP
Her plea read:"Good morning. I hope everyone is well. I'm in desperate need of help. I haven't had any gigs and no money has been coming in this year. I've lost my job in February due to a stroke. I'm currently staying alone. I'm renting and have been unable to pay my rent for eight months now. My landlord asked me to move out and I have nowhere to go, I don't even have family to run to....May you please help me with gigs so that I can be able to secure my shelter. Ngiyacela kakhulu ningincede (I'm begging that you help me). I've been asked to move out on the 2nd of January.Anything would help at the moment. Please! please! I'm desperate."
NO HANDOUTS
When Mthethwa heard about her plight, he offered to help by signing her to his stable, SE Records. "Phumla is highly talented singer and a brilliant song writer. After she posted her plight, requesting for gigs and not for handouts, I offered her a gig to perform at my father's thanksgiving on the 25th December. I felt I had not thanked my father whilst he is still alive and as one of the founders of International Assemblies of God,"he said.
DRUGS AND SUICIDE
He added that Mvelase is going to perform gospel music including her new single Hlala Nathi.
"It is my calling to help people out in my sector. Phumi came out openly asking for gigs and honestly pleading for help due to her condition having suffered a stroke and losing her day job," he said. Mthethwa also praised Mvelase for pleading for help.
"I salute her humility. Unlike many people in the sector, she came out. This is an encouragement for people of our sector, dominated by pride. Many have ended and up using drugs and committing suicide when faced with challenges because they can't talk with anyone about their situation. "
