The poet warns Gauteng residents to take malaria seriously after she contracted the life-threatening disease without travelling outside of the city.
By Bulelwa Hoala
South African poet Ntsiki Mazwai has revealed that her recent social media absence was due to a life-threatening battle with malaria.
In a series of posts, Mazwai shared that she was hospitalised for weeks and is only now recovering at home.
“Morning guys. When I was absent from SM it was because I contracted Malaria and have been in hospital for weeks and now at home for recovery. I don’t think the Dept of Health is warning you enough and they seem a bit out of their depth,” she wrote.
Mazwai urged the public to take the disease seriously, disclosing that she almost died.
Crucially, the podcaster noted that she had not travelled to any known malaria-endemic areas, but was in Johannesburg when she fell ill.
Mazwai credits her sisters, renowned singers Thandiswa and Nomsa Mazwai, for saving her life.
“Oh siblings are a gift from God. It was my baby sister who found me half alive in my flat and rushed me to hospital,” she shared.
“I’m a neat freak. I sent a message to the sibling group that said ‘guys help me, my house is dirty.’ They thought it was a strange message and she came. My sisters saved my life, guys.”
Rising malaria cases in Gauteng
This ordeal follows an urgent warning issued by the Gauteng Department of Health on Sunday, 19 April 2026, regarding an alarming rise in malaria infections and fatalities in the province.
The department recorded 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths during the first quarter of 2026 (January to March). This represents a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 230 cases and only one recorded death.
What you need to know about malaria
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease is preventable and treatable, however delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death.
Who is at risk?
While people travelling to areas like Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi are usually at the highest risk, the sudden surge in local cases means all Gauteng residents must be vigilant.
What are the symptoms?
If you develop any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- High fever and chills
- Severe headaches
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Nausea or vomiting
How to stay safe:
Residents are urged to take precautionary measures, such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
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