VETERAN actor Gibson Nhema, popularly known as Arinestho, who starred in several local drama series that were screened on ZTV, is in need of a whooping US$ 25,000 for a surgical operation on his legs.
Nhema, who lives in a single room is struggling to walk due to leg diseases.
The actor rose to fame around 1999 when he featured in a ZBC Production, Chitsidzo which made noise around 2000.
Those who want to assist can get in touch with him on 0773048730
It was followed by Maimbodei, then Munombodei, Fools Day, Maoko Matema, Gamuchirai, Nhapitai, Size Yakanaka, Idya Cheziva, Checkmate, and Newspaper among others.
At 68, he is now grappling with significant leg problems that hinder his mobility and limit his ability to pursue more opportunities to earn a living.
Poverty has also hit hard on him as he has now resorted to selling some items at a small market.
Born on June 12, 1956, Arinestho bemoans how the industry has been sidelined and called for celebrating the legends while they are still alive.
With his health deteriorating, Arinestho is calling for a renewed focus on honouring veterans of the arts while they are still alive.
As he faces his daily challenges, Arinestho often reflects on the lack of support for its veterans.
The charismatic actor said he is still undergoing some medical tests which require money.
“I am just coming from Sally Mugabe Hospital and they want US$2000.
“I am still going for tests and all the doctors are saying, I have arthritis in my legs.
“So far I have done, three tests where one of the doctors told me that, US$25 000 can cover all the tests.
“I am not happy to use these clutches, tinotoshuwirawo kugara pakanaka,” he said in an interview.
The Glen Norah-based is struggling to walk and is using crutches to balance himself.
His legs are swollen and painful.
“Makumbo aya, akatanga kurwadza zviri serious around 2020, ndichitoendawo kuchipatara.
“But due to hardships, I was now failing to go to the hospital and the pains continued to grow.
“Ndichitoendawo kumasowe, zvichimboita zviri nani but now they have sharp pains.
“Handikwanise kufamba kuenda kure to an extent that around August last year, ndakatobhenda chaiko, musana zvanga zvasangana.
“I used to walk using a stick but now I am using some clutches.
“I reach a point of requesting my colleagues in the industry to help me, get some well-wishers.
“I almost went on the wheelchair, and it was a done deal, zvaibva zvadhakwa.
“Once zvadaro, you become useless,” said Arinestho.
He gives credit to his wife whom, he described as helpful.
“It’s more than 15 years but the industry is bad. An artist anenge achitodawo kubatsira but zvinhu zvacho hazvina kumira mushe munindustry.
“I have a supporting team but it’s not balancing.
“So, I am surviving on injections which I am getting, but mostly depending on crutches.
“The legs are painful.
“The joints will not go at the exact position but I only want the pain to go away.
“I am spending most of my time at this small market and my wife is very supportive.”
His journey back dates to the days he used to dance in Kariba.
“I used to dance and I was born in Hurungwe while staying in farms.
“This is where I adopted that Mozambiquan language mumadrama.
‘I am not even from Mozambique, and I don’t even know the language.
“I am still acting despite my condition in which we shot Gamuchira, with Mai Meki and Mugomba but unfortunately, there are no sponsors.”
