Actor Cebolenkosi Mthembu opens up about losing his father to COVID-19 and testing positive

Uzalo actor Cebolenkosi Mthembu, who plays the hilarious Captain Nyawo on the SABC 1’s flagship show, who uses fancy English words every time, is the latest celebrity to reveal that he recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Speaking to Daily Sun, the actor whose father recently succumbed to COVID-19 complications said the virus is real and pleaded with everyone to stay safe and protect each other. Cebo said he is heartbroken that he could not even attend his father’s funeral nor plan it as his firstborn.

“Covid-19 has brought me a double heartache. While fighting it, I’m also hurting that I couldn’t bid farewell to my father or even arrange his funeral arrangement as his firstborn. I didn’t have a choice but to protect everyone. This is the time to be safe and protect each other. It hurts that our parents are leaving because of this pandemic.

The actor who is currently in isolation told the paper that he tested positive on 4 January and said he will finish his self-isolating period on Wednesday. “I will check again to make sure the virus is gone. Right now I’m feeling better, but I have a little chest pain, ” he said.

Another who recently warned people to take care of themselves and their loved ones is Nathi Mankayi. The multi-award-winning musician lost his parents to the virus in a matter of weeks.

Talking to City Press Nathi said: “It is really strong and people should take care of themselves in these times it is dangerous and it is here. It’s a terrible thing to see someone as full of life sick and then dying from this Covid 19.”

A lot of celebs have been creating awareness around the virus to educate the masses and caution them. TV star Zola Hashatsi also recently shocked fans when he revealed that he tested for COVID-19 twice. Speaking to Unathi Nkayi on Kaya FM he said he tested positive twice in July and then again in December 2020

“When it first hit me, I never thought that it could hit me…I was like ‘how’ and you spend the first few seconds crying,” Zola said. When he got diagnosed he said he had a moment of introspection where he had to go around telling his loved ones that he loves them and forgive those who have hurt him. “We are living in borrowed time, so you start to appreciate the little things.