Nanzikambe Arts have sounded an SOS—saying they need about K7.5 million (about $25 000) for their actor who was taken ill during their tour of Germany in June this year.
During their performances at the weekend, the theatre group mounted a donation box for Otooli Masanza who is working with Theatre Konstaz having failed to fly back home due to a kidney problem.
Otooli—an actor, dancer, singer and journalism student—travelled to Germany with a pack of Nanzikambe performers in preparation for their 3.0 Aid Machine collaboration with the host theatre group.
However, a narrative on the begging box shows “the trip ended in a tragedy as she was too ill to return home. “Otooli needs a kidney transplant†and faces “an uncertain future,†the begging box’s narrative shows.
“On June 12, she was rushed from the stage to the hospital…after suffering kidney failure. After weeks, doctors diagnosed her too critical to travel back to Malawi. Otooli needs a kidney transplant,†reads the SOS.
Sources at Nanzikambe said family members were better placed to comment on the actor’s condition.
In an interview, Gladys Masanza said the family has resolved never to discuss her sister’s condition in the press for fear of causing an alarm since “Otooli is stable and workingâ€.
“Currently, we are raising money for two people to go and donate a kidney just in case one of them does not match,†said the family spokesperson.
Some actors who made the trip with Otooli confided that she is working with the German theatre outfit to supplement her medical fund.
The SOS shows the actor is covered by Germany Medical Cover as a result of the emergency intervention by Theater Konstanz. The health insurance is expiring soon, shows the SOS.
“Around K7.5 million is needed to save Otooli by kidney transplant in Germany from a close relative,†it says.
Well-wishers can make the donation through family members, Nanzikambe Arts or through Otooli Masanza Medical fund’s FDH Bank account number 8500000108483 at Umoyo House Branch.
