ISIBAYA star Bongani Gumede is gravely ill again.
The actor, who plays Mandla “Gatsheni” Ndlovu in the Mzansi Magic soapie, was admitted to Lesedi Clinic two weeks ago. 
Sunday Sun reported in
August that the actor was admitted to the Rietvlei Hospital in Umzimkhulu, in the south of KZN, for an unknown illness. 
Sources said Gatsheni’s health deteriorated again, while he was busy shooting scenes for Isibaya.
“This is the third time he has been hospitalised this year. 
“He was first admitted to the Natalspruit Hospital early this year. He was later admitted to Rietvlei Hospital in Umzimkhulu around August,” said the source. 
The source said doctors told the popular actor that he had pneumonia.
But this TV insider added that Gatsheni’s current condition is very bad.
“He’s so frail, you can’t even recognise him. You can see he’s seriously sick,” said the source. 
The source said Gatsheni spent five days in the Intensive Care Unit. 
“He has just been transferred to the high care unit of the hospital,” the source added. 
Another source said Gatsheni has put in a request that he may have a few visitors. 
“He doesn’t want many people to bother him. That’s why the
security at his ward is so strict,” said the source. 
The insider said Isibaya took him to hospital when he started experiencing serious health
difficulties.
“They are the ones who paid his hospital bills because he doesn’t have a medical aid. 
“But they took it upon themselves to pay for his bills because they don’t want to lose him. 
“They know he’s one of the fans’ favourite actors in the
soapie and his storyline still forms the core of Isibaya,” said the source. 
Our deep throat added Isibaya has been pushing Gatsheni to shoot more scenes per day because they love him.
Isibaya publicist, Emmah Ngomane, requested us to email her. 
But she failed to respond or answer our calls before the People’s Paper went to press.