Actress and television presenter thanks fans for their support as she begins a new chapter in her health journey and returns to work.
Nomsa Buthelezi-Shezi has reassured fans that she is recovering well following her recent hospitalisation, revealing that she is still in the early stages of healing after undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
The media personality recently shared a glimpse of her hospital visit, prompting concern and curiosity among fans who wanted to know what had led to her admission. She has since provided an update, confirming that her recovery is progressing and that she has already returned to work.
“Hello everyone, I’m healing well. It’s still early stages. This week I’m on soft food,” she shared in a social media update.
Buthelezi-Shezi also expressed gratitude to those who had reached out to check on her, adding that she was looking forward to sharing more about her experience.
“I can’t wait to share my journey and talk about my surgeon Dr Winnie Mathe with you. Thank you for those checking up on me. I’m grateful. I’m back to work. LET’S GOO,” she said.
Her message has offered fans reassurance while opening the door to a more personal conversation about her decision to undergo the procedure and the recovery process that follows.
A farewell to her former self
Before confirming details of her recovery, Buthelezi-Shezi shared a video of herself walking into hospital, accompanied by an emotional message that hinted at a significant personal change.
“He walks with me in every valley, even this one,” she wrote, expressing her faith as she prepared for the next chapter.
In another caption, she wrote: “Dear big girl, I’m officially signing out. Bye.”
The posts attracted attention online, with followers speculating about the reason for her hospital visit. Her subsequent update and the hashtags accompanying it indicated that she had undergone gastric bypass surgery.
The procedure, which involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and changing the route food takes through the digestive system, is used as a treatment for obesity in appropriate patients. Recovery generally involves a carefully managed transition from liquids to soft foods and, eventually, other foods as advised by the medical team.
Buthelezi-Shezi has not yet shared every detail of her decision-making process, but she has indicated that she intends to discuss her experience with her followers.
Her update also highlights that recovery does not necessarily mean stepping away from professional commitments indefinitely. Although she remains in the early stages of healing, she has confirmed that she is back at work.
From theatre to television fame
Born in Alexandra, Johannesburg, Buthelezi-Shezi has built a career spanning theatre, television acting and presenting.
She trained at the COSAC drama academy and spent years developing her craft in theatre before becoming a familiar face on South African television.
She rose to prominence through sitcoms and drama productions, including the SABC1 sitcom Abo Mzala, in which she played Thandi. She later appeared in productions such as Samsokolo, Check Coast and Muvhango.
Her portrayal of Ma Mnisi in Isibaya further strengthened her profile, making her recognisable to audiences across the country. She also played Slender in the prison drama Lockdown and appeared in Generations: The Legacy as Boipelo.
Beyond acting, Buthelezi-Shezi became a household name as the presenter of Our Perfect Wedding, where she helped couples navigate the emotional and often demanding process of planning their big day.
Her work has established her as a versatile entertainer who can move between comedy, drama and reality television.
A public figure who has embraced her personal journey
Away from the screen, Buthelezi-Shezi has also been open about aspects of her identity and personal life. She married her longtime partner, Zandile Shezi, in September 2019 in a ceremony held in Alexandra, Johannesburg.
Over the years, the actress has remained a recognisable figure in conversations about representation and visibility in the South African entertainment industry.
Her latest health update has placed the focus on a different aspect of her life – a personal decision about her body and wellbeing.
While the public may be curious about the transformation, her recovery remains a medical process that requires time, patience and adherence to professional advice. Gastric bypass surgery is not an instant fix, and patients typically need ongoing nutritional guidance and follow-up care.
For now, Buthelezi-Shezi appears focused on healing while gradually resuming her professional life.
Her promise to share more about her journey means fans may hear directly from her about what informed her decision, how she is adjusting to the changes and what the experience has taught her.
