South African poet and media personality Ntsiki Mazwai has revealed a frightening health ordeal after contracting malaria, sharing details of an experience she says nearly cost her life.
Ntsiki recently broke her silence on social media, explaining her absence over the past few weeks. She disclosed that she had been hospitalised after falling severely ill, later being diagnosed with malaria.
According to her account, the illness progressed rapidly, leaving her in a critical condition that required urgent medical attention and an extended stay in hospital. She has since been discharged and is currently recovering.
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In a candid reflection, Ntsiki did not hold back about the severity of her condition. She described experiencing extreme physical weakness, confusion and moments of delirium, emphasising just how dangerous the illness became.
Her message was clear: symptoms that may initially seem mild—such as fever or fatigue—can quickly escalate into life-threatening conditions if ignored.
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.
Pls take the warning about… https://t.co/JxR3dXiT7T
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) April 20, 2026
Also see:Ntsiki Mazwai Draws a Firm Line on Nota and Sets Social Media Talking
One of the most alarming aspects of her story is where it happened. Ntsiki revealed that she had not travelled to a malaria-endemic region, but was in Johannesburg at the time she fell ill.
This has raised concerns among the public, as malaria in South Africa is typically associated with provinces like Limpopo and parts of Mpumalanga. Her experience suggests that the risk may not be as geographically limited as many assume.
Her revelation comes amid increasing reports of malaria cases in Gauteng, prompting renewed attention to public health awareness. While experts continue to investigate the causes behind the rise, Ntsiki’s story has brought the issue into the spotlight.
Also see: All there is to know about malaria
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