July 2, 2025 – South Africa is grappling with heartbreaking news as Mercutio Buthelezi, the former fiancé of House of Zwide star Khaya Dladla, fights a devastating battle with cancer. The 38-year-old has been in and out of hospital since February 2025, enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy and experimental treatments at a private facility in Durban. According to a family spokesperson speaking to Daily Sun, Buthelezi’s condition has worsened, with no signs of recovery, leaving his loved ones clinging to faith and prayers. The news has sent shockwaves through Mzansi, with fans flooding social media platforms like X with messages of support, reminiscing about the couple’s once-vibrant love story that captured hearts across the nation.

Buthelezi and Dladla’s romance was a public affair, culminating in a glamorous engagement in October 2020 at the Ocean Reef Hotel in Zinkwazi, north of Durban. The event, attended by close friends, family, and industry peers, was a celebration of love, with Buthelezi and Dladla sharing joyful moments on Instagram, from beach outings to romantic dinners. Their split in 2022 came as a surprise to many, with no public explanation provided. Buthelezi’s last social media post in January 2025, a cryptic message about “cherishing every moment,” gave no indication of his health struggles, making the recent revelation even more jarring. Attempts to reach Dladla for comment have been unsuccessful, with Daily Sun reporting his phone went unanswered and WhatsApp messages were left unread, fueling speculation about his stance on the matter.

The family’s anguish is palpable, with Buthelezi’s sister, Nomvula, sharing that a critical surgery scheduled for next week is their last hope. “We’re praying for a miracle, but it’s hard to stay strong,” she told reporters, her voice breaking. The hospital stays have taken a financial toll, with the family launching a crowdfunding campaign to cover mounting medical bills. This situation echoes other high-profile cancer battles, such as Sky News presenter Jacquie Beltrao’s ongoing fight with breast cancer, where she described the “roller coaster of emotions” that comes with such a diagnosis. In South Africa, cancer remains a leading cause of death, with over 100,000 new cases reported annually, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), adding urgency to Buthelezi’s story.

Social media has become a space for fans to express solidarity, with hashtags like #PrayForMercutio trending on X. One user posted, “Khaya and Mercutio were goals, and now this? Sending all my love to his family.” Others have shared personal stories of loved ones lost to cancer, highlighting the disease’s devastating impact. The entertainment industry has also rallied, with House of Zwide co-star Linda Mtoba urging fans to respect the family’s privacy while sending “love and light.” The outpouring reflects the deep connection South Africans feel with public figures like Dladla, whose on-screen charisma has made him a household name.

The broader context of cancer care in South Africa adds weight to Buthelezi’s struggle. Public hospitals often face resource shortages, pushing patients like Buthelezi to private facilities with exorbitant costs. CANSA reports that only 20% of South Africans have access to private healthcare, leaving many families in financial distress during such crises. Buthelezi’s case has sparked discussions about improving healthcare access, with some X users calling for government intervention. As the nation awaits updates on his condition, the focus remains on supporting his family through this harrowing time.

For now, Buthelezi’s loved ones are holding onto hope, with community leaders organizing prayer vigils in Durban. The story has resonated deeply, reminding South Africans of the fragility of life and the power of community in times of crisis. Fans continue to share messages of strength, hoping for a turnaround that would defy the odds and bring healing to a man who once brought joy to so many through his love story with Dladla.

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