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Ntsiki Mazwai recounts near-death illness, thanks family for saving her life
Ntsiki Mazwai hospitalised for a month
Poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai has opened up about a terrifying health ordeal that nearly claimed her life, revealing she is finally back home after spending a month recovering.
In a deeply emotional post, Mazwai shared that she had been hospitalised after falling critically ill at the end of March, describing how her condition left her “hanging onto life on a thin string.”
According to her, she was diagnosed with a combination of malaria, pneumonia and jaundice.
The outspoken personality credited her younger sister, Nomsa Mazwai, for acting quickly and ultimately saving her life.
“My baby sister… found me half alive… and rushed me to the hospital without flinching,” she wrote, adding that she might not have survived if help had not arrived when it did.
Mazwai also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her sister Thandiswa Mazwai, who she says stood by her side throughout her recovery, visiting daily, bringing her food and offering emotional support during her most vulnerable moments.
“For coming to the hospital every day because I didn’t like the hospital food… for sneaking into my ward just to bring me comfort… for waking up all the nights I was having nightmares,” she shared.
After being discharged, Ntsiki stayed with Thandiswa, who, alongside her partner, helped nurse her back to health. She described the experience as one filled with care, laughter and healing, from shared meals to late-night conversations and movie sessions.
The writer also extended her appreciation to her extended family, friends and medical teams at both Milpark and Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, praising the quality of care she received.
“Guys our public health care system DOES work. And it’s fine. Ignore the elitism,” she noted.
Reflecting on the experience, Mazwai said the difficult period reminded her of the strong support system around her and gave her a renewed appreciation for life.
“This season of illness showed me all my blessings,” she concluded.
After a month of trauma for my family….im finally back at home.
A very deep thank you to my somdala @thandiswamazwai for looking after me for the past month. For coming to the hospital EVERYDAY because I didn’t like the hospital food 🥹for being there every morning to make…
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) April 26, 2026
