Govt to fund Che Nkope’s treatment

The Ministry of Information has moved in to fund the medical trip of renowned radio personality and musician Nicholas Mbonela, popularly known as Che Nkope.

About K7 million (US$17 031.6) is needed for Mbonela’s treatment. He is currently admitted to Blantyre Adventist Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) pending travel to South Africa for medical treatment.

Mbonela, a producer and presenter for MIJ FM’s Che Nkope vs Nancy programme, as well as Zilipati and Mikoko radio programmes, was diagnosed with cardiogenic shock, a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood as the body requires.

On Friday, MIJ FM announced that it will hold a music show to raise funds to meet Mbonela’s medical trip.

“MIJ FM Radio would like to ask all well wishers that are willing to help us in raising money for our brother Nicholas Mbonela, well known as Che Mkope or Nthumwi Necodemo. Our Mikoko star has been diagonised with cardiogenic shock which is making his heart not able to pump blood. For further teeatment, he is required to travel to South Africa of which K6 million is required.

“To achieve this we have organised a music show on 20 July at Robins park. Please attend and help us invite as many people as you can and most of all pray for our brother Nicholas,” reads a statement on the radio station’s Facebook page.

In response, the Ministry of Information has committed to fund all expenses of the trip, according to Che Nkope’s brother, James.

“The Ministry of Information officials visited us at the hospital where they said they will fund the trip. In fact, they wanted Nicolas to be flown to South Africa as quickly as possible, but we were advised by his doctor to wait until he stabilises. So we are currently waiting for the go ahead from the doctor,” explained James.

He said the family is grateful to the ministry for rescuing their brother in the time of need.